| Kendra Rowland |
FRISCO ? The Southland Conference released its preseason volleyball polls on Wednesday and UTSA was picked to finish fourth in the West Division by both the coaches and sports information directors. Meanwhile, sophomore outside hitter Kendra Rowland was named to the league's 12-member preseason all-conference first team.
The Roadrunners, who return seven letterwinners from last year's 13-win squad, collected 72 points in the coaches poll, which was just two behind third-place UT Arlington. UTSA tallied 69 points in the SIDs poll and were three behind the Mavericks.
Defending SLC Tournament Champion Texas State edged Stephen F. Austin by one point to in the coaches poll and was the preseason pick to win the league with 114 points. The Bobcats and Ladyjacks tied for the role of favorite in the SIDs ledger with 111 points apiece.
Rowland, a second-team All-SLC choice as a true freshman, is expected to lead the way for seventh-year head coach Laura Neugebauer-Groff this season. The Antioch, Calif., native was asked to fill a number of roles in her
inaugural season and she responded by ranking fourth in the league in kills per game (3.81). She started every match and also led the team
in attacks (1,285) and service aces (28) in addition to being second in
digs (386).
UTSA begins its 26th season of play next weekend when it travels to Houston for the Mizuno Invitational at Rice University. The Birds kick off play at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, against tournament host Rice.