August 20, 2008 
Contact: Mike Christie, Assistant Commissioner

Christopher Newport Picked As USA South Preseason Volleyball Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of Head Coach Lindsay Birch in her seventh-year, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference volleyball title in 2008. The Captains have captured at least a share of four consecutive regular season crowns. CNU has also won five of the past seven USA South Tournament championships.

Christopher Newport received nine of the ten first place votes (81 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Behind the Captains was Averett University, who collected 66 points. The Cougars were followed by Greensboro College, who finished third with 63 points, and N.C. Wesleyan College which placed fourth with 61 points and the final first place vote. Ferrum College and Methodist University rounded out the top-six with 49 and 40 points, respectively.

The volleyball regular season gets underway on Friday, August 29 as five of the league's ten schools are in action.

2008 USA South Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Christopher Newport (9)	81
2.	Averett	66
3.	Greensboro	63
4.	N.C. Wesleyan (1)	61
5.	Ferrum	49
6.	Methodist	40
t-7.	Mary Baldwin	26
t-7.	Peace	26
9.	Meredith	25
10.	Shenandoah	13