Lakeland received four of the twelve first place votes in the 2006 preseason coaches' poll.

Lakeland selected to win inaugural NAC volleyball title
VERONA, Wis. -- Lakeland College has been voted by the coaches as the preseason favorite for the upcoming Northern Athletics Conference women's volleyball season. Benedictine University was selected second, followed by Maranatha Baptist Bible College at No. 3.

The Muskies (23-16) are coming off four straight NCAA Championship appearances, and five straight conference championships in the former Lake Michigan Conference. Lakeland dose lose seven seniors from last year's squad, yet returns six upperclassmen. Head coach Chad Schreiber enters his 12th season at the helm, as the Muskies will look for their first title in the new conference.

Benedictine (24-14) is coming off two straight league championships in the former Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference. The Eagles lose five seniors from last season's team, but return eight upperclassmen.

The Crusaders (24-13) split the Lake Michigan Conference title with Lakeland last year, but fell to the Muskies in the tournament championship, falling just short of their first NCAA Championship bid. Maranatha coach Marsha Jackson won her 400th match last season, and will look to add to that total in the newly formed NAC.

The complete Northern Athletics Conference Preseason Poll follows.

2006 NAC Preseason Poll

1. Lakeland (4) 128
2. Benedictine (4) 117
3. Maranatha Baptist (1) 109
4. Aurora (3) 108
5. Concordia Wisconsin 90
6. Marian 86
7. Wisconsin Lutheran 82
8. Concordia Chicago 75
9. Dominican 43
9. Edgewood 43
11. Rockford 37
12. Alverno 18

First place votes are noted in parentheses ( ), followed by total points received.

Northern Athletics Conference, Sports Information Department, August 29, 2006.