Dover, Del. (July 21, 2010) --- Delaware State has been picked to finish second in the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division volleyball regular season race, according to a poll of league head coaches and sports information directors announced today.

Also, Hornet senior outside hitter Erica Tajchman has been selected to the 2010 All-MEAC Volleyball Preseason First Team.

Maryland-Eastern Shore was picked to repeat as MEAC Northern Division champs. The Hawks received 20 of 22 first place votes and 258 total points in the north race. Delaware State collected the other two first place votes and 198 total points. The Hornets return all put one starter from their 2009 squad, which posted a 20-13 overall record and 8-2 mark in the MEAC, each setting new school records. Morgan State (166) was tabbed to finish third, followed by Howard (151), Hampton (148) and Coppin State (113) in the Northern Division poll.

Florida A&M was picked to win the 2010 MEAC Southern Division race. The Rattlers have won the last nine MEAC Tournament championships.

Tajchman was second on the Hornets with 313 kills last season. She was also fourth on the team with 221 digs in 2009.

Howard University outside hitter Gazelle d'Artois was named the 2010 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year. Three players from Maryland-Eastern Shore - Samantha Chukwura, Bella Jade Romero and Susan Egoavil - round out the preseason All-MEAC Team.

Delaware State will open 2010 volleyball season on August 27 at the North Carolina Central Tournament in Durham, N.C.