MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello volleyball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Gulf South Conference West Division, marking the highest pre-season pick in the program’s three-year history.

If the prediction holds true, or the team finishes higher, the Blossoms would qualify for the post-season conference championship tournament for just the second time in school history. The other time was in 2006, when the team finished 17-15, eventually losing to North Alabama in the opening round of the tournament.

The pre-season poll was completed by a vote from each of the division’s head coaches. UAM received one third place vote, two fourth place votes and three fifth place votes, giving them a final count of 16 points, just three ahead of fifth place selection Christian Brothers.

From top to bottom, six-time defending division champion Harding was picked as the pre-season favorite, followed by Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, UAM, Christian Brothers, Southern Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist.

A key factor to the above normal pre-season ranking is the amount of returning players the team is bringing back to Monticello. The Blossoms have nine returning players, four of which were starters in 2007.

“One of our goals this year, and every year, is to make the conference tournament,” said fourth-year head coach and program starter Nicole Smith. “Now that the league believes in us, our players will have more confidence, and hopefully prove that we are a legitimate yearly contender.”

Along with the pre-season poll, the pre-season All-GSC squad was released, but no UAM players received enough votes to be selected. Harding and Arkansas Tech each had three players selected, while Christian Brothers and Henderson State each had one.

Also in the pre-season release is a listing of the top newcomers from each school. Representing UAM is junior outside hitter Jalynn Thornton (Dixie State College) and junior middle blocker Mallory Storm (Southwestern Illinois).