NORFOLK, Va. – The North Carolina Central University volleyball program, under the direction of first-year head coach Nicki Holmes, has been projected to finish fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference southern division, the conference announced Thursday (Aug. 14) afternoon.

A year ago, NCCU finished fifth in the south, ahead of Savannah State, with a 3-7 conference record and a 3-25 overall mark.

"We're excited to get on the court and put ourselves in the best position possible for success," said Holmes.

Hampton outside hitter, and last season's MEAC Player of the Year, Vendula Strakova was named MEAC Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year as the defending MEAC tournament champion Hampton Lady Pirates were predicted to win the northern division. The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers were selected to win the south.

All awards and the predicted to order finish are voted on by the conference's head volleyball coaches and sports information directors.

For complete preseason listings, logon to www.MEACsports.com.

SOUTHERN DIVISION    
1.       Florida A&M (23)  
2.       North Carolina A&T (2)       
3.       Bethune-Cookman (1)
4.       South Carolina State
5.       North Carolina Central
6.       Savannah State