NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions were tabbed as pre-season favorites in a poll of the TranSouth volleyball coaches. They were followed by the RedHawks of Martin Methodist College, the defending TranSouth Champions Union University, the Lyon College Pipers, the Cumberland University Lady Bulldogs, and the Trevecca Trojans.
After a program best 31-5 (8-2 TSAC) record in 2004 which included their first ever trip to the Region XI tournament, the Lady Lions return five of their six starters from that team for the 2005 campaign. Their only loss is Cheri Kull, who was one of the top setters in the nation. Freshman Martha Ray of Mt. Dora, Florida will step in and fill the spot.

The RedHawks come off an outstanding season in which they posted a 31-18 record, including a 6-4 mark in the TranSouth, and they are looking to improve that mark and challenge for the conference title in 2005.

Union University return just two players from last year’s TranSouth regular season and tournament championship team. Union also won the NAIA Region XI title and advanced to their first-ever National tournament appearance. The Bulldogs posted a final ranking of  No. 14 in the nation. The Lady Bulldogs will also be breaking in a new coach this year as Union grad Steven Gream takes the helm, becoming only the second coach in program history.

The Lyon College Pipers look to build off a fourth place finish in the TranSouth, but are expected to post a similar finish in 2005. Despite losing three-time first team all-TranSouth performer Ceca Brckalo, the Pipers return Susie Harper, Daria Paunovic, and Alyson Boone, while addind Lee Davis, Jessica Sylvester, and Ashley Edinbyrd.

The Cumberland Lady Bulldogs are coming off a tie for fifth place in the TranSouth in 2004, They return two all-conference performers in Debbie Perry (1st team) and Rachel Vanderburg, and they add junior transfer Angela Medvid, who led Pasco Hernando CC to the NJCAA Division-1 Volleyball tournament.

The Trevecca Trojans round out the preseason poll, as they are coming off a rebuilding year in which they tied with Cumberland for fifth in the TranSouth. They lost only one senior from that team, 1st team all-conference performer Jodi Reimer, but they add two key newcomers in setter Kelly Huff and Taina Ovchinnikov – an all-region transfer from National American University.