The OU volleyball players have said they will no longer be the hunters, but the hunted after making it to the Sweet 16 in 2010.
The 2011 Big 12 volleyball preseason awards and poll, released Tuesday and Wednesday, reflected that sentiment as the Sooners were picked to finish second in the conference and had the most members of the preseason All-Big 12 team with three selections.
Texas was predicted to win the conference, racking up 63 points from the nine league coaches. The Longhorns received seven of the nine first-place votes.
Iowa State received the other two first-place votes and tied the Sooners with 53 points to finish in second place.
Texas A&M, Missouri and Baylor came next, followed by Kansas, Kansas State and Texas Tech.
Oklahoma's senior setter Brianne Barker, senior right side Suzy Boulavsky and sophomore middle blocker Sallie McLaurin were named to the preseason All-Big 12 team. Barker was one of five unanimous selections to the team.
Texas senior Rachael Adams was named preseason Player of the Year and Texas freshman Khat Bell was named preseason Freshman of the Year. Iowa State redshirt freshman Hannah Willms was named preseason Newcomer of the Year.
The nine league coaches voted on the preseason awards, team and poll. They were not allowed to vote for their own school or players.
PRESEASON POLL
1. Texas (7) — 63 points
2. Iowa State (2) — 53 points
2. Oklahoma — 53 points
4. Texas A&M — 43 points
5. Missouri — 32 points
6. Baylor — 30 points
7. Kansas — 22 points
8. Kansas State — 20 points
9. Texas Tech — 9 points
PRESEASON AWARDS
Preseason All-Big 12 awards
Player of the Year: Rachael Adams, Texas
Newcomer of the Year: Hannah Willms, Iowa State
Freshman of the Year: Khat Bell, Texas
Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Torri Campbell, Baylor
Alison Landwehr, Iowa State
Jamie Straube, Iowa State
Kaitlynn Pelger, Kansas State
Brittany Brimmage, Missouri
Molly Kreklow, Missouri
Brianne Barker, Oklahoma
Suzy Boulavsky, Oklahoma
Sallie McLaurin, Oklahoma
Rachael Adams, Texas
Amber Roberson, Texas
Kelsey Black, Texas A&M
Allie Sawatzky, Texas A&M
Amanda Dowdy, Texas Tech
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