HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team has been picked fourth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason poll, the league office announced Monday.

Southern Illinois at Edwardsville was tabbed the preseason GLVC favorite by the league coaches. The Cougars (25-7 last season) earned five first-place votes and totaled 137 points to edge Rockhurst (Mo.) for the top spot in the poll.

Rockhurst, entering its first season as a member of the GLVC, totaled 134 points and collected six first-place votes. The Lady Hawks were 26-10 last season and finished with a No. 23 national ranking in the NCAA Division II poll.

Defending GLVC champion Southern Indiana (24-7 last season) received 118 points and one first-place vote. The Screaming Eagles advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament and defeated Ferris State in the first round before being eliminated by Northwood (Mich.).

NKU, which posted a 22-9 overall record last season and finished 13-3 in the GLVC, received 114 points and is fourth. The Norse return four starters from that team, including three All-GLVC performers.

NKU features sophomore middle hitter Liz Holmes, the GLVC Freshman of the Year in 2004. A year ago, NKU advanced to the semifinals of the GLVC Tournament.

NKU will open the season Aug. 26 at San Juan, Puerto Rico, against Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.

GLVC volleyball preseason poll

1. Southern Illinois at Edwardsville (5) 137
2. Rockhurst (6) 134
3. Southern Indiana (1) 118
4. Northern Kentucky 114
5. Indianapolis 98
6. Lewis 84
7. Drury (1) 73
T8. Quincy 65
T8. UW-Parkside 65
10. Saint Joseph's 50
11. Missouri-St. Louis 39
12. Bellarmine 25
13. Kentucky Wesleyan 12