OGDEN, Utah -- Northern Arizona was predicted to successfully defend its Big Sky Conference volleyball title in the 2016 preseason coaches poll.
The Lumberjacks lose three starters and their libero from last season's conference champions -- who won 15 of 16 Big Sky matches -- but nonetheless received 9 of 12 first-place votes in balloting of Big Sky coaches. Northern Colorado received one first-place vote and finished second overall, while North Dakota got the remaining two first-place votes and finished third overall.
The Lumberjacks return first-team All-Big Sky performer Jenson Barton and second-team selection Lauren Jacobsen but must replace two of the conference's premier players in Janae Vander Ploeg and Payton Bock, as well as Stacia Williams and Jordan Leiter.
BIG SKY VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Northern Arizona (9) 119
2. Northern Colorado (1) 104
3. North Dakota (2) 99
4. Idaho State 86
5. Sacramento State 79
6. Idaho 68
7. Portland State 60
8. Eastern Washington 51
9. Weber State 44
10. Southern Utah 40
11. Montana State 23
12. Montana 19
