The Nebraska Wesleyan University volleyball team was selected seventh in the 2012 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ poll that was released on Monday (Aug. 6). The Prairie Wolves received 45 total points in the poll.

Doane College totaled 94 points and six first place votes to be picked as preseason conference champions. Midland University received 81 points and two first place votes for second and Northwestern College had 77 points and one first place vote for third place. Hastings College and Morningside College also received first place votes.

Nebraska Wesleyan begins their first season under new head coach Rayna Cain. The Prairie Wolves, who had their streak of seven straight NCAA III Tournament appearances snapped last season, are expected to return four starters from the 2011 team that finished 16-12 overall.

NWU reports to fall camp on Friday, Aug. 17th. The Prairie Wolves open the 2012 season on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, when they travel to Winona, Minn., to compete in the Sugar Loaf Classic at the University of St. Mary’s. NWU will play four matches in the tournament beginning on Friday afternoon when they open the season against University of St. Thomas.

Nebraska Wesleyan’s first home match will be on Sept. 18, when they host Concordia University in Snyder Arena.

GPAC Preseason Coaches Poll

Team, Pts (1st place votes)

1. Doane, 94 (6)

2. Midland, 81 (2)

3. Northwestern, 77 (1)

4. Hastings, 70 (1)

T5. Morningsdie, 69 (1)

T5. Dordt, 69 (1)

7. Nebraska Wesleyan, 45

8. Briar Cliff, 43

9. Concordia, 28

10. Dakota Wesleyan, 16

11. Mount Marty, 13