LOUISVILLE - The KIAC coaches have selected Indiana University East as the preseason favorite in volleyball for the 2012 season, conference officials announced Wednesday. IU East collected 90 points including nine first place votes.

Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.

IU East finished last season 14-1 in conference play and won the KIAC tournament championship while advancing to the NAIA National tournament. IU East will field a strong roster including last season’s KIAC player of the year Lauren Crump.

Point Park University joins the KIAC this season and was selected second by the coaches. The newcomer received 78 points and one first-place vote. Last season’s tournament runner-up Asbury was selected in the third spot by league coaches. Asbury received 76 points.

IU Southeast was selected fourth with 65 points. Cincinnati Christian sits in the fifth position with 58 points. The rest of the preseason poll includes KIAC newcomer Carlow (49 points), Midway (48 points), St. Louis College of Pharmacy (32 points), Brescia University (25 points), Berea College (16 points) and Alice Lloyd College (13 points).

The ALC volleyball program is in its infancy.

The 2012 KIAC volleyball season will begin in mid-August. The campaign will conclude with the conference tournament November 9-10.

The poll is as follows: 1. IUE (90), 2. Point Park (78), 3. Asbury (76), 4. IUSE (65), 5. CCU (58), 6. Carlow (49), 7. Midway (48), 8. SLCOP (32), 9. Brescia (25), 10. Berea (16), 11. ALC (13).