LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – West Chester University’s women’s volleyball squad was picked fourth in the PSAC Eastern Division preseason poll released Monday by the league. The Golden Rams, coming off one of their most successful campaigns in program history, finished third in the conference standings a year ago.
West Chester (28-10, 6-4 PSAC East) is vying for its fourth straight postseason appearance and third under head coach Kassie Bellaver, who has never failed to reach the playoffs. However, two newcomers to the PSAC and a shift in the divisional alignment have left the prognosticators slotting the Rams in at fourth in the East.
Shippensburg, the defending champion in the East, was picked first on the strength of four first-place votes. Lock Haven, who competed in the West last fall, was second with the other three first-place tallies. Kutztown, who swept the season series from West Chester in 2007, was picked third just ahead of the Rams.
East Stroudsburg, Millersville and Cheyney were picked fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.
The Golden Rams return the rookie of the year in the East, Michelle Powers, and two-time all-league setter Lisa Yeasted. A very talented freshman class will factor in to West Chester’s success, along with the return of Megan Musselman to Hollinger Field House’s gymnasium floor, following a two-year hiatus.
California (Pa.), the defending conference champion and Western Division champ, was picked first in the West with six first-place votes. Edinboro, who split its two contests with West Chester in 2007, was selected second with the remaining first-place vote.
Eastern Division
1. Shippensburg (4)
2. Lock Haven (3)
3. Kutztown
4. West Chester
5. East Stroudsburg
6. Millersville
7. Cheyney
Western Division
1. California (6)
2. Edinboro (1)
T3. IUP
T3. Mercyhurst
T5. Clarion
T5. Slippery Rock
7. Gannon