2/9/06 -- The Long Island University women's lacrosse team has been selected to finish sixth in the nine-team Northeast Conference according to a poll of the league’s head coaches.

Junior Amy Rizzo (Jackson, N.J.) joins seven other returning starters from a year ago. The 5-0 standout led the NEC in goals per game (3.21) and points per game (4.36) while ranking 10th in the nation in each category.

Also returning is senior Nichole Lopez (Highland Mills, N.Y.). The former soccer standout ranked third in the nation while leading the team and the NEC in ground balls (3.71/game) last season.

The Blackbirds open up their 2006 campaign at home on March 3 against Canisius at 2:00 p.m.