SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference released its 2013 volleyball preseason coaches’ poll and all-conference team today, August 19. The Elon Phoenix was selected to finish sixth among the leagues 11 teams.
Led by head coach Mary Tendler, entering in her 11th season at Elon, the maroon and gold received 60 points as it returns nine players and four starters from its 2012 squad that went 16-16. Last season, the Phoenix went 9-7 in league play and finished second in the North Division.
Samford was named the preseason favorite after earning six first-place votes and 95 total points. Elon was selected behind the Bulldogs, Georgia Southern (89 points), Furman (79 points), UNCG (67 points) and Chattanooga (63 points).
The Phoenix will begin its 2013 campaign in the Kristen Dickmann/Navy Invitational against Illinois-Chicago on Friday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. in Annapolis, Md.
2013 Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Samford (6) – 95 points
2. Georgia Southern (2) – 89 points
3. Furman (1) – 79 points
4. UNCG (2) – 67 points
5. Chattanooga – 63 points
6. Elon – 60 points
7. Davidson – 47 points
8. Appalachian State – 44 points
9. Western Carolina – 26 points
10. Wofford – 25 points
11. The Citadel – 10 points
() denotes first-place votes
2013 Preseason All-Conference Team
Caroline Brown – OH – Davidson
Tindall Sewell – MH – Davidson
Jo Wilks – S – Furman
Christina Dorismond – MB – Furman
Kym Coley – MB – Georgia Southern
Alexandra Beecher – DS – Georgia Southern
Karrian Chambers – H/B – UNCG
Michaela Reesor – OH – Samford
Katie Murphy – MB – Samford