BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The LSU volleyball team was selected to defend its SEC Western Division championship in the annual SEC Coaches’ Preseason Poll Monday as announced by the league office.
The Tigers received seven of the 13 first place votes for a total of 20 points. Points were compiled on a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 basis for the SEC Western Division and 1-2-3-4-5-6 for the SEC Eastern Division. Each coach wasn’t allowed to vote for his or her own team, and each coach also voted for one team as an overall conference champion.
LSU has connected seven consecutive SEC Western Division titles highlighted by the overall league championship in 2009. It’s the second longest streak in SEC history, only behind Florida’s 14-year run on top of the SEC’s Eastern Division from 1995-2008.
The Tigers return five starters in Helen Boyle, Desiree Elliott, Madie Jones, Meghan Mannari and Malorie Pardo who all claimed All-SEC accolades last season. LSU is one of only 25 programs nationally to qualify for six of the last seven NCAA Tournaments going back to the 2005 season.
“Being selected to win the SEC Western Division is a goal of our program every season and something that we don’t take for granted,” head coach Fran Flory said. “Certainly, we’re thrilled and honored to be chosen in this position as we get ready to start preseason camp later this week. We also know we have to work extremely hard every day to uphold our program’s championship tradition and be in this same position at the end of November.”
Texas A&M garnered four first place votes to total 22 points, while Arkansas charted two first place votes to come away with 27 points. Following the Aggies and Razorbacks in the SEC West predictions in order are Ole Miss, Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State.
Tennessee collected 12 first place votes and was picked to repeat as the overall SEC champions. Kentucky was the only team to defeat the Lady Vols in SEC action last season. The Wildcats secured 30 points en route to the second spot followed by Florida, Missouri, Georgia and South Carolina to round out the SEC East, respectively.
LSU will hold its annual Purple & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, August 18 at 4:30 p.m. inside the Maravich Center. Admission to the scrimmage and all 2012 home matches at the Maravich Center are free compliments of the Advocate’s “Geaux Free” program.
Leading into the scrimmage, the Tigers will instruct basic volleyball skills starting at 2 p.m. during a free kid’s clinic. The clinic is open to all children eighth grade and under. To reserve your spot, contact Lauren at promotions@lsu.edu by Wednesday, August 15 and include how many children will be attending the event.
For all of the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/lsuvolleyball along with @lsuvolleyball and @lsucoachfran on Twitter.
2012 SEC Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
SEC Western Division
Team, Points
LSU, 20
Texas A&M, 22
Arkansas, 27
Ole Miss, 52
Auburn, 58
Alabama, 65
Mississippi State, 71
SEC Eastern Division
Team, Points
Tennessee, 12
Kentucky, 30
Florida, 35
Missouri, 37
Georgia, 56
South Carolina, 67
SEC Champion: Tennessee (12), Florida (1)