BYU spikers picked first in WCC preseason coaches poll

PROVO, Utah—The West Coast Conference coaches picked BYU women’s volleyball to finish first in league play and named sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter Alexa Gray to the Preseason All-WCC team Wednesday.

Gray and the Cougars finished their second season in the WCC with a 13-3 record, tied for first-place in conference standings with San Diego. In last year's poll, BYU was picked to finish fourth and San Diego was picked to finish first in a tie with Saint Mary's.

Following the 2012 season, Gray was named the 2012 Freshman of the Year and added to the All-WCC and All-Freshman teams.

San Diego was picked to place second in the conference after finishing last season in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The WCC women’s volleyball season officially starts Aug. 30, with BYU beginning Aug. 31 at the Hampton Inn Invitational. For schedules, scores and standings, please visit WCCsports.com.

2013 WEST COAST CONFERENCE PRESEASON POLL

TEAM (First Place Votes)  POINTS

1. BYU (5) 74

2. San Diego (3) 73

3. Saint Mary’s (2) 69

4. Pepperdine 58

5. Loyola Marymount 43

6. Santa Clara 42

7. Pacific 33

8. San Francisco 32      

9. Gonzaga 16

10. Portland 10

2013 PRESEASON ALL-WEST COAST CONFERENCE TEAM

NAME SCHOOL YR. POSITION

Megan Anders Santa Clara Sr. MB

Savannah BlinnGonzagaRSo. OH

Chloe Ferrari San Diego Sr. MH

Kristina Graven Saint Mary’s Sr. OH

Alexa Gray BYU So. MB/OH

Katie Hoekman San Diego Sr. MH

Kathleen Luft Loyola Marymount RSr. OH

Jordan Shaw Saint Mary’s Sr. OH

Kellie Woolever Pepperdine Sr. S

Valentina Zaloznik San Francisco Jr. MB