Winthrop, MA – The Dean College women's volleyball team has been selected to finish in 9^th place in the 2025 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Poll, as voted by the conference's head coaches.

After making the postseason for the first time since joining the GNAC, the women's volleyball team has their eyes set on capturing the coveted title. The team also ranks two spots higher than their previous position in 2024.

The Bulldogs will see the return of senior Skylar Raskevitz (Northampton, MA), who became the first libero in program history to reach 1,000 career digs. Sophomore phenom Maddy Seymour (Simsbury, CT) is also back after leading the team in total points. Other notable returners include Chloe Demaio (Needham, MA) and Olivia Mackinnon (Plymouth, MA).

Dean opens their 2025 schedule at home on Friday, August 29^th. The Bulldogs are set to host Bay Path University for the 2^nd consecutive season. Last year, the Bulldogs took down Bay Path three sets to one.

The Bulldogs will also see their return to the Bonnie May Invitational. They will play several non-conference opponents, including the defending NEWMAC Champion Smith College.

Over the course of the 2025 season, Dean will compete in a total of 13 GNAC matches. Their first conference match is set for Saturday, September 13^th, against Colby-Sawyer College. The Bulldogs will also host conference opponent Simmons University during Homecoming Weekend on October 3^rd.

Should Dean earn a postseason birth, the GNAC Quarterfinals are set to begin on Tuesday, November 11^th. The semifinals will be played on November 13^th, with the winners of both matches square-dancing in the GNAC title game, set for November 15^th.

Full GNAC Preseason Poll Voting Results:

1. Lasell (9)- 190
2. Regis (3) - 174
3. Emmanuel (1)- 155
4. Simmons - 150
5. Saint Joseph's (Maine) - 149
6. Rivier (1) - 138
7. Colby-Sawyer - 110
8. New England College - 94
9. Dean - 90
10. University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) - 58
11. Mitchell - 52
12. Elms - 45
13. Albertus Magnus - 42
14. Norwich - 23

To learn more about the Dean College women's volleyball program, visit any of the respective links above.