Aug. 18, 2008

SAN BRUNO, Calif. -

Loyola Marymount has been picked to finish sixth in the West Coast Conference, according to the preseason coaches poll that was announced Monday. The Lions received 29 points while 2007 co-WCC Champion USD was picked as the favorite in 2008, amassing three first-place votes and 56 total points.

Following close behind the Toreros in the voting was Pepperdine, which totaled 55 points and also received three first-place votes, and Santa Clara, which totaled 53 points and garnered one first-place vote.  Rounding out the top half of the poll is Saint Mary’s College and the University of San Francisco, both of which tallied 34 points with the Gaels receiving the last first-place vote. After LMU was tabbed sixth with 29 points, Gonzaga University (18 points) and the University of Portland (nine points) completed the eight-team poll.

The Lions will be returning four starters and eight letterwinners, including an All-WCC first-team selection in senior Emily Day, and All-WCC freshman team members Renee Horton, who was second in the conference in assists (1,318), and Whitney Leonard, who was third in the conference in dig average (4.53).

LMU opens its 2008 campaign on the road at the University of New Mexico Tournament on August 29 and 30.  Prior to the start of the season, the Lions will hold their annual Alumnae Match on August 23 at 7 p.m.

2008 WCC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. San Diego - 56 (3)
2. Pepperdine - 55 (3)
3. Santa Clara - 53 (1)
4t. Saint Mary’s - 34 (1)
4t. San Francisco - 34
6. Loyola Marymount - 29
7. Gonzaga - 18
8. Portland - 9
(First place votes)

For the complete release from the WCC, please click the following link