HACKENSACK, N.J. – The FDU women's bowling team earned the no. 17 ranking in the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Preseason Poll, which was released on Wednesday afternoon.

The Knights finished no. 16 in the final NTCA Poll last season and are coming off an appearance in the National Collegiate Bowling Championship. They were one of the last 12 teams standing in the nation.

K.J. Martinez is set to lead the Knights again. Each of his three teams at FDU have earned preseason national ranking status. He brings back senior captain Emily Fogarty and NTCA All-Rookie Jadeyn Mabry. The Burgundy and Blue also return a slew of sophomores who contributed to last season's NEC Championship.   

FDU is one of three NEC teams ranked in the poll. Duquesne (no. 12) and Niagara (no. 25) also found themselves in the ranking. Monmouth received votes.

The reigning conference champions begin team competition on October 11 at the Bud Whitman Memorial in Deptford, N.J.

Find the full NTCA Preseason Poll here.