SEATTLE (Aug. 9) ­ Once again Seattle Pacific University figures to be among the contenders for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference volleyball crown.

Although the Falcons lost three starters from their GNAC championship team, they have been picked second in a preseason poll of coaches. Western Washington received six first-place votes to edge SPU 101-93 in the balloting.

Seattle Pacific, which also shared the title in 2005, earned for first-place votes and Central Washington was picked third. Newcomer Montana State Billings is fourth.

Among the returnees for the Falcons are all-region outside Alyssa Given (Sr., Salinas, Ca.) and al-conference middle Rachel Biornstad (Sr., Kent, Wa./Kentlake). Jenna Von Moos, the GNAC player of the year and All-America setter, is among the graduates.

Seattle Pacific opens its season Aug. 23 at Cal State San Bernardino. The home and conference opener is Sept. 6 against Seattle University.

GNAC Preseason Poll
1. Western Washington (6) 101
2. Seattle Pacific (4) 93
3. Central Washington 73
4. Montana State Billings 64
5. Seattle 60
6. Northwest Nazarene 59
7. Western Oregon 41
8. Alaska Fairbanks 34
9. Alaska Anchorage 20
10. Saint Martin's 10