Volleyball Picked To Finish Sixth In BIG EAST
8/3/2005 9:22:33 AM | Volleyball
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Syracuse University volleyball team was selected to finish sixth in the BIG EAST Conference by the league's coaches, announced Tuesday. Seniors Kristen Conway and Kelly Duan were both named to the 2005 All-BIG EAST Preseason Team.
The Orange, coming off of a 25-7 season, return five starters and the libero from last year's squad. Duan, a 2004 AVCA All-American honorable mention selection, led SU in in kills (385) and service aces (40). Conway, an All-BIG EAST Second Team pick, led the Orange in kills per game (3.56) and was second in kills (352).
Louisville (30-3), ranked No. 16 in the nation, was selected to take the BIG EAST crown, with defending conference champion Notre Dame (21-9) picked to finish second. Pittsburgh (21-11), Cincinnati (22-11), and Marquette (22-7) round out the top five.
This season, the BIG EAST Championship format allows for the top eight teams to make the tournament, which is single elimination. The Championship will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center and is hosted by Louisville. Championship play opens on Nov. 18.
Rank Team (First place votes) Points
1 Louisville (12) 194
2 Notre Dame (3) 185
3 Pittsburgh 165
4 Cincinnati 153
5 Marquette 144
6 Syracuse 138
7 Connecticut 111
8 Georgetown 75
8 West Virginia 75
10 South Florida 72
11 DePaul 68
12 Villanova 64
13 Seton Hall 50
14 St. John’s 43
15 Rutgers 38
2005 All-BIG EAST Preseason Team^
Diana Andreyko, So., OH, Pittsburgh
Lauren Brewster, Sr., MB, Notre Dame
Kristen Conway, Sr., OH, Syracuse
Theresa Coughlin, Sr., OH, Marquette
Kelly Duan, Sr., RS/MB, Syracuse*
Kristina Fabris, So., MB/RS, USF
Myanna Hellsten, Jr., MB, Cincinnati
Jennifer Hoffman, Sr., MB, Louisville*
Lena Ustymenko, Sr., OH, Louisville*
Lauren Kelbley, Sr., OH/MB, Notre Dame*
Megan McGrane, Sr., Lib., Pittsburgh
Gini Ullery, Sr., OH, Pittsburgh
Anastasia Yartseva, Jr., OH, Louisville*
*Unanimous selection
^Due to a tie in voting, an extra member has been added to the preseason team
