Lubbock Christian University, the 2009 Sooner Athletic Conference champion, has been picked by the conference coaches as the favorites to repeat in 2010. The Pioneers of Wayland Baptist were fourth in the Coach's Poll which was released early Tuesday afternoon.

WBU Head Coach Jim Giacomazzi lost just two players off last year's squad that went 21-9. The Pioneers return four starters including 1st Team All-Conference setter Anika Voigt, a senior; 2nd Teamers Jennifer Wyatt, a senior middle, and junior hitter Kimberli Harger; and senior honorable mention All-Conference selection Desiree Luevano.

The Lady Chaps were 27-8 overall last season. They collected six of eight first-place votes in the poll and finished with 48 points.

Oklahoma Baptist, which finished in a tie for second in the SAC with Oklahoma City last season, was second in the poll with two first place votes and 43 points. The Lady Bison were 31-10 last season.

Oklahoma City, coming off an 18-20 campaign in 2009, is listed third with 37 points. Following Wayland which received 30 votes, were Southern Nazarene with 24, John Brown with 22, Mid-America Christian with 13 and St. Gregory's with seven.

Southern Nazarene (23-13) and John Brown (23-11) also had strong 20-win seasons in 2009.

Wayland begins the 2010 season at home on Thursday, Aug. 26 against Olivet Nazarene University. That match, which tips off at 7:00 pm, opens the Coca-Cola Classic which includes eight more matches played on Friday and Saturday. Other teams participating in the Coke Classic are LCU, York College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Ariz.

The 2010 Sooner Athletic Conference Coaches' Poll

Rank School (First Place Votes) Points 2009 Record

1. Lubbock Christian (6) 48 27-8

2. Oklahoma Baptist (2) 43 31-10

3. Oklahoma City  37 18-20

4. Wayland Baptist  30 21-9

5. Southern Nazarene 24 23-13

6. John Brown  22 23-11

7. Mid-America Christian 13 10-25

8. St. Gregory's 7 2-21