SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Southern Conference volleyball coaches have selected the College of Charleston to win the 2006 regular season championship.  The coaches also selected 14 players to the preseason all-league team, including four returning all-conference picks from 2005.

The Cougars garnered eight of the 11 available first place votes to grab the top spot on the poll. Furman finished second in the voting, including two first-place votes, followed closely by Appalachian State, which received one first-place vote. Davidson was selected fourth, followed by Georgia Southern and Chattanooga.

The volleyball coaches also announced the preseason all-conference team. College of Charleston, Furman and Appalachian State each placed three student-athletes on the squad. Charleston middle blocker Tiffany Blum returns as a 2005 first team all-conference selection and is joined by libero Marie Dobrenz and middle blocker Annie Uthe. Furman’s Whitney Purser, an outside hitter, is the only other first team selection to return from the 2005 squad. Fellow Lady Paladins Chibuzo and Aguocha and Courtney Stewardson were also named to the preseason squad. ASU’s Dianna Thomas returns in 2006 after being named to the all-conference second team in 2005, and is joined by Chrissy Finch and Lorelle Rau.

Davidson’s Liz Williamson rounds out the returning all-conference players as she was a second-team selection in 2005. She is joined by setter Jenna Dykstra on the preseason squad. Chattanooga’s Lara Newberry, the 2005 Libero of the Year, represents the Mocs on the preseason team, with Jennifer Charles from Georgia Southern and UNCG’s Hilary Overby rounding out the team.

Southern Conference volleyball begins on Friday, August 25 with seven teams competing in tournaments around the country. The first conference match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 when UNC Greensboro travels to Elon for a 7:00 p.m. match.

2006 Volleyball Preseason Poll