As the UALR volleyball team gears up to open 2009  competition Friday at the Mississippi State Maroon Classic, the Sun Belt Conference released their preseason poll as the Trojans were picked to finish third in the west division.  Senior Anita Bucur earned preseason All-Sun Belt Conference honors for the first time in her career.

“I am not surprised that New Orleans was picked on our side first and Denver second,” said head coach Van Compton.  “Last season, we were right there with both teams splitting matches with each.  Denver and New Orleans performed better in the tournament.”

UALR enters the 2009 season after recording a 24-8 overall and 13-5 conference campaign in 2008.  The Trojans recorded their first-ever back-to-back 20-win seasons while starting the season 17-2.  The Trojans finished second in the Sun Belt Conference West Division behind Denver and lost in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament.

Bucur, a 6-3 right side/opposition athlete, averaged 3.22 kills last season while leading the team in attack percentage with a .345 mark.  The Brasov, Romania native earned second team All-Sun Belt honors in 2008 for the first time in her career.

“Anita is certainly our go-to player,” said Compton.  “She is a four year senior, and she is quite deserving of the honor.  We are looking for a lot of great things from her this year.”

UALR kicks off the 2009 season on Friday as the team faces McNeese State at 4:30 p.m. in Starkville, Miss.