BYU spikers picked fourth in WCC preseason poll

PROVO, Utah—West Coast Conference coaches picked the BYU women’s volleyball team to finish fourth in league play and named junior opposite hitter Jennifer Hamson to the Preseason All-WCC team Wednesday.

Hamson and the Cougars finished their inaugural season in the WCC with a 10-6 record, good for third-place in conference standings and tied with Saint Mary’s. In the 2011 poll, BYU was picked to finish sixth and Saint Mary’s was picked to finish second.

Following the 2011 season, Hamson was named All-WCC and Academic All-WCC after leading the Cougars and the conference in kills per set with 3.94. Hamson was also No. 22 in the nation for points per set at 4.88.

Saint Mary’s and San Diego were picked to tie for first place in the conference. San Diego took second place in league play in 2011, finishing its season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Watch the WCC’s Preseason All-Conference video on YouTube.

The WCC women’s volleyball season officially starts August 24. For schedules, scores and standings, please visit WCCsports.com.

2012 WEST COAST CONFERENCE PRESEASON POLL

TEAM (First Place Votes)	POINTS
T1. Saint Mary's (4)	59
T1. San Diego (4)	59
3. Pepperdine (1)	53
4. BYU	42
5. San Francisco	33
T6. Loyola Marymount	27
T6. Santa Clara	27
8. Portland	13
9. Gonzaga	11

2012 PRESEASON ALL-WEST COAST CONFERENCE TEAM

NAME	SCHOOL	YEAR	POSITION
Samantha Cash	Pepperdine	Sophomore	Middle Blocker
Chloe Ferrari	San Diego	Sophomore	Middle Hitter
Jennifer Hamson	BYU	Junior	Opposite Hitter
Katie Hoekman	San Diego	Junior	Middle Hitter
Betsi Metter	Loyola Marymount	Junior	Defensive Specialist
Jordan Shaw	Saint Mary's	Junior	Outside Hitter
Malina Terrell	San Francisco	Junior	Middle Blocker
Missy White	Saint Mary's	Senior	Setter
Kellie Woolever	Pepperdine	Junior	Setter
Valentina Zaloznik	San Francisco	Sophomore	Middle Blocker