Big Ten Preseason Poll

[Laulena14]

Big Ten (http://www.bigten.org)

1. Minnesota; 2. Penn State; 3. Wisconsin; 4. Michigan State; 5. Illinois; 6T. Michigan; 6T. Ohio State; 8. Purdue; 9. Northwestern; 10. Indiana; 11. Iowa

All-Big Ten Preseason: Erin Virtue (Illinois); Christina Archibald (Indiana); Jennifer Gandolph (Michigan); Kim Schram (Michigan State); Paula Gentil (Minnesota); Erin Martin (Minnesota); Stacey Gordon (Ohio State); Ashley Pederson (Penn State); Cassy Salyer (Penn State); Sam Tortorello (Penn State); Renata Dargan (Purdue); Jill Odenthal (Wisconsin)

[vballmaniac40]

Definitely don't see Michigan St. finishing fourth. Other than that, I'd say it looks pretty good.

[Go Iowa]

I'm disgusted with Iowa being 11th. I would have picked them 10th.

PLEASE let this coach turn the program around!!

[Pasquale]

I agree with vballmaniac40 - I don't see Michigan State finishing fourth. There isn't a clear favorite this year for Big 10 Champions and I think Penn State, Wisconsin, or Illinois will challenge Minnesota. It will be a good season!

It's interesting that there is only one middle hitter listed on the preseason all-big ten list. The conference is very heavy with good OHs this year. The middles who step up may determine which team wins the conference championship.

[BigTen4]

Laulena14 said:

Big Ten (http://www.bigten.org)

1. Minnesota; 2. Penn State; 3. Wisconsin; 4. Michigan State; 5. Illinois; 6T. Michigan; 6T. Ohio State; 8. Purdue; 9. Northwestern; 10. Indiana; 11. Iowa

All-Big Ten Preseason: Erin Virtue (Illinois); Christina Archibald (Indiana); Jennifer Gandolph (Michigan); Kim Schram (Michigan State); Paula Gentil (Minnesota); Erin Martin (Minnesota); Stacey Gordon (Ohio State); Ashley Pederson (Penn State); Cassy Salyer (Penn State); Sam Tortorello (Penn State); Renata Dargan (Purdue); Jill Odenthal (Wisconsin)

Two out of the three who were unanimous All Big Ten selections were from Canada (Schram and Gordon). Pavan in Nebraska. Today the NCAA tomorrow the world!!

[BOTE]

The other unanimous pick for preseason all Big 10 was PSU Junior setter, SamTortorello, who hails from Illinois. Penn State also has a senior Canadian OH on their team from Quebec area that could well be the diamond in the ruff for the Lions this year. Interesting that all three Canadians are Seniors this year

[vballmaniac40]

How was Gentil not unanimous? Does this go back to the old argument that liberos aren't getting respect? I can guarantee that Gentil will be All-Big Ten at season's end for all those libero doubters.

[bucky415]

I am not surprised by the lack of middles on the preseason all-conference team. There was really a lot of talent at that position among last year's senior classes in the conference. I think players like Erin Moore and Erika Lange might have gotten overlooked somewhat just because of the depth at the position in the conference, but they were capable of some really impressive outings. As for this year, I don't think MSU will be that good with all they lost, although Schram really stepped up at times last year. I would put Iowa last until they can show a pulse on the court, but it is too bad for the rest of the teams that the two pretty much guaranteed wins are going away. If Frederick could win in Pullman, which she did a lot, last year's problems notwithstanding, she should be able to boost Iowa's profile in the league from doormat status. Finally, I think PSU and Minnesota have to be the favorites, while 3-7 will be interesting. I am hoping the Badgers will do well this year, but defense and passing are major concerns coming in. Also, it will be the first time with a totally new setter in five years, which is always a cause of some uncertainty. Should be an interesting year.

[caljr]

I was surprised Shaw and McConaha were left off the list.