Aug. 15, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
In the annual preseason polling of the Southeastern Conference volleyball coaches, South Carolina ranked fifth in the Eastern Division, the league released today.

Florida, a 19-time and the defending SEC champion, garnered nine first-place votes to take the top spot and repeat. Tennessee garnered the other two first-place votes to finish second in the polling. Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina rounded out the results for the east. LSU led the way in the Western Division rankings, followed by Mississippi and Arkansas. Auburn, Alabama and Mississippi State close out the poll.

Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team, with points corresponding to the pick of the team.

South Carolina opens the 2011 season on Fri., Aug. 26 in the Temple Invitational against Montana.

2011 SEC Volleyball Coaches Preseason Poll

Overall Champion:

Florida 9, Tennessee 2.

Eastern Division
1. Florida, 12
2. Tennessee, 19
3. Kentucky, 26
4. Georgia, 39
5. South Carolina, 44

Western Division
1. LSU, 10
2. Mississippi, 22
3. Arkansas, 31
4. Auburn, 34
5. Alabama, 48
6. Mississippi State, 50