SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford and College of Charleston were selected by the Southern Conference head volleyball coaches to win the North and South Divisions, respectively, as announced by the conference office today.

The Bulldogs, who received eight first-place votes and 65 points overall, lost in last season's tournament semifinals to the eventual champion Furman. Samford, the North Division Regular Season Champion in 2008 with a record of 28-5, returns eight players including junior setter Hillary Fountain, a 2008 first-team All-Conference selection, and senior Sheriden Stangohr.

Elon received three first-place votes and 52 points overall. The Phoenix return 2008 All-Freshman selections Caroline Lemke and Traci Stewart. Also receiving a first-place vote was UNC Greensboro, who returns junior Kayren Finney, a member of the 2008 All-Conference first team, and senior Catherine Hanners. The Spartans finished the 2008 season with a record of 23-10.

College of Charleston, who received 10 first-place votes and 65 points overall, will pursue its ninth straight regular season title. The Cougars return six starters, including 2008 Freshman-of-the-Year Elyse Chubb and 2008 first-team all-conference selection Cole Dawley. Senior outside hitter Emily Sawin is also returning for the Cougars, who fell to Furman in the conference tournament 3-2 and finished last season 27-7.

Also receiving a first-place vote each were the 2008 Southern Conference Tournament Champion Furman and Georgia Southern. The Paladins, who received 54 points, return five starters to a team that finished the season 21-14 and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Eagles return 10 players including sophomore outside hitter Bethany Sanford, a member of the 2008 All-Freshman team.

The conference also announced the seven-member preseason All-Southern Conference team. Leading the selections was College of Charleston with three athletes, including junior setter Cole Dawley, who received seven first-place votes and 57 points overall. Also representing the Cougars are middle blocker Elyse Chubb and outside hitter Emily Sawin.

UNC Greensboro and Samford each placed two players on the all-conference team, with middle blocker Kayren Finney and libero Catherine Hanners representing the Spartans. Hillary Fountain and middle blocker Sheriden Stangohr represent the Bulldogs.

The 2009 season kicks off Friday, August 28 with many teams taking the court in preseason tournaments. Conference play begins Friday, September 25.

Note: Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team or players in the preseason poll and all-conference selections.

Southern Conference Preseason Poll

Preseason All-Southern Conference Team