Southern selected to place first in the West

The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced in their 2015 Preseason All-SWAC Women’s Volleyball Teams predictions on orders of ranking for this season.
The Southern University Jaguars were honored in the Wild West division of the SWAC to be placed first in the tally as voted on by league coaches and sports informational directors.
SU came from a previous season of excellence where they triumphed over the Western Division to enter the championship fray in their home gym. Unfortunately, they were thwarted by Alabama State, but to be chosen again to overcome before the season begins is truly a sight to behold.
Southern University’s Diamond Williams was voted Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with 474 digs. Williams then went to grab the Libero (defensive specialist) of the year accolade as well as a position on the 2014 All SWAC First Team. She was nationally ranked (28th) in aces and (44th) in digs per set.
Williams secured the lone spot on the preseason All SWAC First team. Leliani Lealaimatafao, who stood tall in the 2014 All-Tournament team, now received the 2015 All-SWAC Second team.
Kali Fluke of Texas Southern University earned the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year title. This honor was granted to her after she led the Tigers to a first-place, regular season, conference standing and collected the 2014 Co-Offensive Player of the Year Award. Individually, she recorded 263 attacks (a percentage of .302), provided 23 assists and served six aces. 
Fluke was also named to the preseason All-SWAC First Team. She was joined by teammate Robyn Shannon.
In the eastern division of the SWAC, past champs Alabama State were predicted to finish first with 78 tallies. For the second consecutive season, the Hornets has captured the preseason accolade stemming from their back to back SWAC Championship titles under 2014 Coach of the Year, Penny-Lucas White. The Hornets led their conference including kills (358) and service aces (54).
Jackson State University was predicted to finish second in the east with a total of 58 points, followed by Alabama A&M University with 51 tallies.
Southern (67) accepted a first-place predicted finish in the western division. Led by head coach Vanessa Jacobs, this marked the Jaguars’ first time in 20 years being recognized in this position. TSU was voted to finish second with 58 points, while Prairie View A&M grabbed a third-place finish, securing 49 tallies.
Former head volleyball coach of the volleyball team, Nathaniel Denu congratulated Jacobs.
“I’m proud of the young coach and what she has achieved this past season with hard work and determination,” said Denu. “I wish her the best in every season there is to come.”
Jacobs is ready to move forward with this upcoming season.
“I’ve never been happier for my girls and we are going to tidy up our performance, go out there and leave everything on the court.”