(AUSTINTOWN, Ohio) - The Capital University volleyball team was picked to finish third in the Ohio Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll on Wednesday.
Capital garnered 61 votes including one first place vote to finish third behind unanimous first place selection Ohio Northern (81 votes) and Mount Union (71 votes). The Crusaders were followed by the duo of Heidelberg and Muskingum, which tied for fourth place with 51 votes. Each of the 10 OAC head coaches were allowed to votes in the poll and none could vote for his or her own school.
In 2007, Capital recorded its seventh-consecutive 20-win season and advanced to the OAC Semifinals. The Crusaders finished 21-10 including a 14-match winning streak that featured wins over the College of Mount Saint Joseph's and nationally-ranked Hiram College.
Following the graduation of two-time OAC Player of the Year and three-time All-American selection Jessie Hampson (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster HS), CU will look to build upon last year's success behind the return of 10 letterwinners including Honorable Mention All-OAC pick Allison Hostetler (Dalton, Ohio/Dalton HS). The junior middle blocker will be joined by classmates Sarah Gallik (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston HS), an outside hitter that was second on the team in kills last season, and Jenna Zumberger (DeGraff, Ohio/Fairlawn HS), a setter that recorded the sixth-most assists in progam history in 2007.
Also joining the mix will be senior Jackie Helm (Lancaster, Ohio/Fisher Catholic) who led the Crusaders in digs last season. Fellow seniors Kelly Steineman (New Bremen, Ohio/New Bremen HS) and Kara Guster (Orrville, Ohio/Orrville HS), juniors Sara Doebel (Clyde, Ohio/Clyde HS) and Laura Wichman (Chardon, Ohio/Chardon HS) are all expected to contribute along with a talented group of incoming freshmen.
The Crusaders will begin their 2008 season by playing host to the Capital Invitational on Fri., Aug. 29 and Sat., Aug. 30 at the Capital Center.