Aug. 10, 2001
WACO, Texas -
The Baylor volleyball team placed seventh in the Big 12 in a preseason poll of the conference's head coaches, released by the league Friday. Two Bears received individual honors, sophomore Stevie Nicholas was named preseason all-conference, and sophomore transfer Laura Daniela Lloreda was dubbed the favorite for the league's newcomer of the year award.
The team polling was based on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 system with a first-place vote receiving 10 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team. The Bears finished tied for seventh in the Big 12 in 2000 with a 16-15 overall record, 8-12 in conference play.
Nicholas earned first-team all-conference and Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors last season, opening eyes with her exciting play.
Lloreda, who hails from Veracruz, Mexico, is a transfer from Universidad de las Americas. The 5-11 outside hitter/setter has played on the Mexican senior national team, and also has competed in three world championships.
Defending national champion Nebraska was easily named the league's top team in the coaches' vote. Husker setter Greichaly Cepero was honored as the preseason Player of the Year. Nebraska's Allyne Rebholz was named preseason freshman of the year.
2001 Big 12 Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll
1. Nebraska 100
2. Texas A&M 90
3. Colorado 74
4. Kansas State 69
4. Missouri 69
6. Texas Tech 52
7. Baylor 48
8. Texas 46
9. Kansas 28
10. Oklahoma 19
11. Iowa State 10
Big 12 Conference Preseason Team:
Stevie Nicholas, Baylor OH 5-10 So.-1L Fullerton, Calif. (Sunny Hills)
Elizabeth Gower, Colorado S 6-0 Jr.-2L Naperville, Ill. (Naperville Central)
*Liz Wegner, Kansas State OH 5-10 Sr.-3L Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island)
Greichaly Cepero, Nebraska S 6-2 Jr.-2L Dorado, Puerto Rico (McDonogh)
*Nancy Metcalf, Nebraska OH 6-1 Sr.-3L Hull, Iowa (Western Christian)
*Laura Pilakowski, Nebraska OH/MB 6-1 Jr.-2L Columbus, Neb. (Columbus)
*Jenna Moscovic, Texas A&M S 5-11 Sr.-3L Stockton, Calif. (St. Mary's)
Big 12 Conference Preseason Player of the Year:
Greichaly Cepero, Nebraska S 6-2 Jr.-2L Dorado, Puerto Rico (McDonogh)
Big 12 Conference Preseason Newcomer of the Year:
Laura Daniela Lloreda, Baylor OH/S 5-11 So.-TR Veracruz, Mexico (Universidad de las Americas)
Big 12 Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year:
Allyne Rebholz, Nebraska MB 6-1 Fr.-HS Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral)
