SPARTANBURG, S.C. ?The Southern Conference women’s volleyball coaches selected College of Charleston as the favorite to win the conference title in 2007.  The group also selected the preseason all-conference team.

 

The Cougars were 17-1 in conference play and 27-7 overall in 2006. The Cougars received eight first place votes for a total of 97 points. Furman is close behind with three first place votes and a total of 93 points.  Appalachian State came in at third with 80 points while UNC Greensboro had 71 total points.  Chattanooga and Davidson both had 60 points while Elon has 48 and Georgia Southern had 37 points.  Western Carolina, Wofford and The Citadel round out the rest of the poll.

 

College of Charleston highlights the preseason all-conference team with four players, the 2006 Freshman of the Year Emily Sawin as well as 2006 all-conference setter Lindsey Kane.  They are joined by middle blockers Tiffany Blum and Annie Uthe.

 

The Lady Paladins had three players on the preseason all-conference team including the 2006 player of the year Nikki Palazzo.  She is joined by outsider hitter Chibuzo Aguocha and setter Courtney Stewardson.

 

Appalachian State has two members on the preseason all-conference team with 2006 all- conference outside hitter Brittany Zahn and right side hitter Dianna Thomas. 

 

Katie Pierucci of Davidson, Laura Newberry of Chattanooga and Kaitlyn Nortz of UNC Greensboro were also named to the preseason all-conference team.

 

The Southern Conference women’s volleyball season begins on August 24, 2007 with nine teams in action.

 

2007 Women’s Volleyball Preseason Poll

1. College of Charleston (8) 97

2. Furman (3)                         93

3. Appalachian State                        80

4. UNC Greensboro                          71

5t.Davidson                                       60

5t.Chattanooga                                 60

7. Elon                                                48

8. Georgia Southern                         37

9. Western Carolina                          25

10. Wofford                                        23

11. The Citadel                                  11

 

2007 Women’s Volleyball All-Conference Team

Brittany Zahn, Appalachian State

Dianna Thomas, Appalachian State

Annie Uthe, College of Charleston

Lindsey Kane, College of Charleston

Tiffany Blum, College of Charleston

Emily Sawin, College of Charleston

Katie Pierucci, Davidson

Nikki Palazzo, Furman
Chibuzo Aguocha, Furman

Courtney Stewardson, Furman

Kaitlyn Nortz, UNC Greensboro

Lara Newberry, Chattanooga