MSU Volleyball picked second in LSC North

RICHARDSON, Texas -- Midwestern State University was selected to finish second to defending Lone Star Conference North champion Central Oklahoma in the league's annual preseason poll.

UCO collected 13 first-place votes on the 15 ballots cast and totaled 103 points to finish as an overwhelming favorite in the balloting of LSC North coaches and sports information directors and various media representatives.

Midwestern State, picked to finish fourth a year ago before going on to a 26-win season, tallied 72 points to finish second in the voting. Texas Woman's was third with 66 points, while Cameron claimed the remaining two first-place votes and had 64 points to tie for fourth with Southeastern Oklahoma. Texas A&M-Commerce was sixth with 34 points and Southwestern Oklahoma seventh with 17.

The Bronchos, who were 27-8 overall and a perfect 12-0 in North Division play last fall, were picked to finish no worse than second on any of the 15 ballots cast. UCO has won four of the past five LSC North crowns.

UCO and the rest of the LSC volleyball teams will start the 2006 season later this month, with the LSC having 13 teams set to compete. Joining the seven North Division teams are their six South Division counterparts -- Abilene Christian, Angelo State, Eastern New Mexico, Tarleton State, Texas A&M-Kingsville and West Texas A&M.

In the LSC South preseason poll, West Texas A&M was picked to win the divisional title.

Here's a complete look at the LSC North Division Preseason Volleyball Poll for 2006:

Rank Team (First-place votes) Total

1. Central Oklahoma (13) 103

2. Midwestern State 72

3. Texas Woman's 66

T-4. Cameron (2) 64

T-4. Southeastern Oklahoma 64

6. Texas A&M-Commerce 34

7. Southwestern Oklahoma 17