VB: Schreiber tabbed LSC Preseason Setter of the Year

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Midwestern State junior Allison Schreiber was named Preseason Setter of the Year Monday by a panel of Lone Star Conference coaches, sports information directors and selected media when the league announced its annual preseason awards.

But the Mustangs, who finished tied for fourth in the LSC's North Division in 2006, were picked seventh as the conference has switched to a non-division format this season where the top eight will advance to the postseason.

Schreiber was a second-team All-LSC North selection in 2006 after leading the Mustangs with 1,304 assists, averaging 11.24 helpers per game.

The Windthorst, Texas product will lead a group of six returning starters as the Mustangs will try to improve on last season's strong finish.

West Texas A&M, which posted a 34-4 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals in 2006, are the overwhelming favorites to claim this season's combined title. The Lady Buffs secured 30 first-place votes on the 35 ballots cast to run up 448 points.

Abilene Christian, who picked up the remaining first-place tallies, is the runner-up pick with 391 points and is followed by Central Oklahoma (378 points), Cameron (318), Texas Woman's (301), Tarleton State (288), MSU, Texas A&M-Commerce (186), Southeastern Oklahoma (182), Texas A&M-Kingsville (166), Angelo State (106), Southwestern Oklahoma (94) and Eastern New Mexico (68).

Cameron's Fernanda Queiroz and Abbie Lowry of Abilene Christian shared the leagues Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honor, while Central Oklahoma's Lacey Allen was picked as the LSC top returning defensive player.

The Mustangs kick off the 2006 season at the Comfort Inn-vitational on Aug. 24 with matches against West Georgia and Wheeling Jesuit (W. Va.).