2012 MSC Preseason Coaches' Poll

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College is the favorite to win the Mid-South Conference Volleyball Championship according to the 2012 MSC Preseason Coaches' Poll, released by league officials Friday afternoon.

The Blue Raiders received nine of the 11 available first-place votes for 99 points after capturing their first league regular-season and tournament titles in 2011. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Lindsey Wilson was picked to finish third in the MSC West last season, but surged onto the scene to finish with a 31-3 overall record and 10-2 mark in league play behind first-year head coach Andy Cavins.

For the first time since 2009, the MSC jumps back into a single-division format this season.

Close behind the Blue Raiders in the poll are Campbellsville (Ky.) (23-15, 9-3 MSC) in second with 87 points and a first-place vote and Georgetown (Ky.) (20-17, 9-3 MSC) in third with 86 points and the other first-place nod.

There are two new additions to the MSC standings this season with Cumberland (Tenn.) and Bluefield (Va.) joining as full members. Cumberland is picked to finish seventh with 48 points and Bluefield is 10th with 25.

Lindsey Wilson starts the 2012 season at 12:30 p.m. CT on Aug. 24 against Xavier (La.) at the Lee University Tournament in Cleveland, Tenn.

The 2012 MSC Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 9-10 at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky.