D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW 2006--VOLLEYBALL

Our fall sports preview for the 2006 season starts in earnest with a look at each of the three sports D-II South Sports covers. We start with a look at volleyball.

All predicted orders of finish are courtesy of the respective conferences.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

EAST DIVISION

1. North Alabama

2. West Florida

3. Alabama-Huntsville

4. West Georgia

5. Montevallo

6. Valdosta State

7. West Alabama

WEST DIVISION

1. Harding

2. Arkansas Tech

3. Christian Brothers

4. Henderson State

5. Ouachita Baptist

6. Arkansas-Monticello

7. Southern Arkansas

Analysis: The GSC may have lost two schools, Central Arkansas and Lincoln Memorial, but one thing that hasn't changed is that North Alabama is still the team to beat. Even so, other GSC programs have gotten better in recent years, including West Florida, which is beginning its seventh season of play. Don't count out Alabama-Huntsville in the GSC East either.

In the GSC West, Harding earned all six first place to get the nod for the favorites role in that division. Don't be surprised if the Lady Lions and Bisons find themselves playing for the GSC tournament title in November.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

1. Armstrong Atlantic State

2. USC Upstate

3. USC Aiken

4. Francis Marion

5. Lander

6. UNC Pembroke

7. Augusta State

Analysis: After missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999, the Pirates hope to make a return trip to post-season play in 2006, as AASU returns its entire starting lineup from a squad that finished 22-12 a year ago. However, the Pirates will have plenty of challengers, with USC Upstate and USCA looking to mount a serious challenge for the PBC regular season title. Defending PBC tournament champion FMU has a new head coach in Paul MacDonald, who replaces Sonny Kirkpatrick.

SIAC

EAST DIVISION

1. Albany State

2. Clark Atlanta

3. Benedict

4. Paine

5. Fort Valley State

WEST DIVISION

1. Kentucky State

2. Miles

3. LeMoyne-Owen

4. Tuskegee

5. Lane

6. Stillman

Analysis: Albany State will look to win its sixth straight SIAC title, as well as advance to its sixth straight NCAA Division II tournament in 2006.