Northwest Notes August 17, 2012

EWU volleyball team picked third in preseason Big Sky poll

In the newly-expanded Big Sky Conference that now features 11 teams, Eastern Washington was tabbed as one of the top three heading into the 2012 campaign.

In the Big Sky volleyball preseason poll released by the league office, EWU was picked third. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Eastern has five returning starters, including All-Big Sky first-team selection Cora Kellerman and second-team honoree Shelby Puckett. Britta Forsythe, who played at North Idaho Christian and then at Lake City High, is a sophomore outside hitter for the Eagles.

Northern Colorado, which won the Big Sky regular season and tournament championships last year, was picked No. 1, followed by Portland State, EWU, North Dakota, Montana, Sacramento State, Idaho State, Northern Arizona, Southern Utah, Weber State and Montana State. North Dakota and Southern Utah are new to the Big Sky this season.