NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. - For the second straight season, Bentley has claimed the regular season title and the top seed in the Northeast 10 Conference Volleyball Championship, as announced by the league office on Saturday night.
Bentley had an undefeated record in conference play this season, going 9-0 against NE10 competition to earn hosting rights for Championship Weekend next Friday (Nov. 13) and Saturday (Nov. 14). The Falcons, who have played in each of the past two NE10 Championship finals, will look to become repeat champions after beating AIC, 3-1, to win the 2025 NE10 Championship.
Currently ranked No. 3 in the East Region according to NCAA Power Index (NPI) data, Bentley is led offensively by Sophia Poehlein, who ranks third in the NE10 in kills per set (3.37), and Tory Vitko, who is second in assists per set (9.27). On the defensive side, Aaliyah Price-Gooden is leading all conference players in blocks per set (1.14). Head coach Joey Pacis has led Bentley to two NE10 Championship titles (2019, 2025) and three consecutive Division II East Region titles (2023-25).
Overall, seven teams qualified for the NE10 Championship - including American International (AIC) as the No. 2 seed. AIC has won three of the past five NE10 Championship titles. No. 3 Adelphi and No. 4 Southern Connecticut (SCSU) will also host first round matches in the NE10 Championship on Tuesday.
Saint Anselm (No. 5), Pace (No. 6) and Assumption (No. 7) complete the bracket and will hit the road for first round action.
Bentley will host both the semifinals (Nov. 13) and final (Nov. 14) at the Dana Center. Tuesday's winners will advance to Championship Weekend.
For the full Championship schedule, please see below.
NE10 Volleyball Championship
1. Bentley (9-0)
2. American International (8-1)
3. Adelphi (7-2)
4. Southern Connecticut (6-3)
5. Saint Anselm (4-5)
6. Pace (4-5)
7. Assumption (4-5)
Tuesday, November 10th
First Round – at Higher Seeds
Match 1: #7 Assumption at #2 American International (5:00 PM)
Match 2: #6 Pace at #3 Adelphi (5:00 PM)
Match 3: #5 Saint Anselm at #4 Southern Connecticut (5:00 PM)
Friday, November 13th
Semifinals - at Bentley for semifinals and final.
Match 4: Match 3 winner at #1 Bentley (5:00 PM)
Match 5: Match 1 winner vs. Match 2 winner (7:30 PM)
Saturday, November 14th
Championship – at Bentley for semifinals and final.
Match 6: Match 4 Winner vs. Match 5 Winner (6:00 PM)
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 10 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
Fans can subscribe via this link to follow NE10 NOW on FloSports this season. The partnership between the NE10 and FloSports works to provide funds back to the athletic departments of the Northeast 10 Conference in support of student-athletes while promoting the league on a national platform.