The Lawrence University volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the Midwest Conference in a preseason poll of league coaches.
Lawrence, which tied for sixth in the MWC a season ago, returns garnered a total of 44 points in the poll. Monmouth College was picked to win the league and had 73 points. The Scots were followed by St. Norbert College (70), Lake Forest College (65) and Beloit College (61).
Lawrence returns a talented group of players, led by all-conference hitter Clare Bohrer. The Vikings finished 13-16 a season ago, and that included a 4-5 record in conference play. One of the highlights of the 2010 conference season for the Vikings was a win over Monmouth, which had been unbeaten in league play.
Lawrence opens play on Sept. 2 at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational.