FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo volleyball team was selected fifth in the Peach Belt Conference preseason coaches poll, which was released Aug. 24 by the conference office.

After both programs came off of history-making seasons in 2011, the Peach Belt Conference volleyball coaches could not decide which was the better team heading into 2012 as Armstrong Atlantic State and Flagler tied atop the preseason coaches poll.  Both teams received four first-place and three second-place votes for 46 total points.

USC-Aiken was third and Augusta State fourth. Francis Marion, UNC-Pembroke and Lander rounded out the voting.

The Falcons, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Katie O’Brien, return nine players and three starters from a year ago, including preseason All-PBC hitter Manyi Ati. O’Brien also welcomes six talented freshmen to this year’s squad.

Montevallo opens the 2012 season at the seventh annual Lions Classic at Saint Leo University on Aug. 31.