FLUSHING, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2019) - Hunter College has claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2019 CUNYAC Men's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll, it was announced by the league office Friday.

Coming off their fourth-straight 20-plus win season and third CUNYAC title in a row, the Hawks headlined the rankings with 59 points and five first-place votes.

Under the guidance of first-year head coach Nicolas Sanchez, Hunter returns three key starters from a season ago, including CUNYAC Preseason Player of the Year Blake Hogan.

In 2018, Hogan, a CUNYAC All-Star first-team selection, placed in the Top 5 in the conference in kills (266) and digs (216). He also tied for second on the team with 19 service aces. Meanwhile, reigning CUNYAC Rookie of the Year Alec Helford is coming off a freshman season that saw him lead the league in assists with 1,052. 

Baruch narrowly followed in second, earning 57 points and two first-place votes. The Bearcats, who finished at 7-1 in league play a season ago, reached the CUNYAC final for the 14th-consecutive year.

Following the departure of CUNYAC Player of the Year Stephen Roach, Baruch will rely on Nicholas Godino to spearhead the Bearcat offense. Godino posted the second-most kills (270) on the team in 2018, to go along with 168 digs and 13 service aces.

John Jay received a first-place nod and came in third in the voting with 42 points. Brooklyn was fourth with 39 points. CCNY followed at a close fifth, amassing 36 points.

The 2019 CUNYAC Men's Volleyball Championship will kick off on Tuesday, Apr. 9 at higher seeds and wrap up with the semifinals and final on Friday, Apr. 12 at Hunter College.

2019 CUNYAC Preseason Men's Volleyball Poll
1. Hunter (Five First-Place Votes) - 59 Points
2. Baruch (Two First-Place Votes) - 57 Points
3. John Jay (One First-Place Vote) - 42 Points
4. Brooklyn - 39 Points
5. CCNY - 36 Points
6. Lehman - 26 Points
7. York - 16 Points
8. Medgar Evers - 13 Points

CUNYAC Preseason Player of the Year: Blake Hogan, OH, Hunter