Aug. 7, 2003

The Missouri volleyball team, which opens up preseason practice on Friday, has been picked to finish tied for fourth in the Big 12 Conference, according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll released by the conference office on Thursday.

Mizzou finished 26-8 in 2002 and 14-6 in the Big 12, good for a third place finish. MU has placed in the top-5 in conference in each of the last three seasons, including a second place finish in 2000.

Nebraska is the coaches' pick to win the Conference title for a sixth straight year. Texas and Kansas State hold the next two spots in the poll followed by Missouri and Texas A&M in a tie for fourth.

The Tigers will open up the 2003 season on Aug. 29-30 as the host the 2nd Annual Quality Inn Tiger Invitational at the Hearnes Center. Joining MU in the tournament will be Montana State, Toledo and Arkansas. The first opportunity for Tiger fans to see the team will be the Black and Gold Match on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Hearnes Center.

2003 Big 12 Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll
1. Nebraska-- 93
2. Texas-- 87
3. Kansas State-- 86
T4. MISSOURI-- 72
T4 Texas A&M-- 72
6. Kansas-- 50
7. Colorado-- 46
8. Baylor-- 35
9. Texas Tech-- 29
10. Oklahoma-- 19
11. Iowa State-- 11

Big 12 Conference Preseason Player of the Year (Tie)
Lauren Goehring, Kansas State
Anna Schrad, Nebraska

Big 12 Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year
Ashley Nu'u, Colorado

Big 12 Conference Preseason Newcomer of the Year
Darium Acevedo, Texas