ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs Volleyball team was selected to finish fifth in the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll in an announcement from the league office today. The Mustangs received 134 points in the voting system. Junior All-America middle blocker Devin Diedrich (6-0, Braham, Minn.) was named one of the 14 2010 NSIC Players to Watch. NSIC Release

The Mustangs were picked to finish one spot lower than they finished last season. The Mustangs concluded the 2009 season in fourth place in the NSIC. The coaches once again picked Concordia University, St. Paul as the 2010 preseason favorite to win the league. The Golden Bears were the champions of the NSIC last season and won their third consecutive national championship.

SMSU was picked behind Minnesota Duluth who received two first place votes, Minnesota State, Mankato who received one first place vote and Wayne State. The Mustangs were just two points shy of the third place vote. This marks the second year in a row in which the SMSU volleyball team was selected to finish fifth in the preseason coaches' poll.

Diedrich, who was selected as a 2010 NSIC Player to Watch enters her junior season will lead the Mustangs into the 2010 season. She will be joined by 2009 NSIC Freshman of the Year Mary Groth (MB, 6-1, So., West Bend, Wis.).

Along with the first place vote, Concordia University, St. Paul received the Preseason Player of the Year in senior Emily Palkert.  

Southwest Minnesota State will report to fall camp on Sunday, August 15, with practice beginning on Monday, August 16. The Mustangs will open the season on the road when they travel to Golden, Colo. to compete in the Colorado School of Mines classic hosted by Colorado School of Mines Sept. 3-4.