Wisconsin-Superior is picked to finish third in the UMAC volleyball preseason coaches’ poll released Wednesday.

Northwestern, ranked No. 20 nationally, is picked to win its 11th-straight regular season conference championship and returns the likes of 2019 UMAC player of the year and All-American setter Sydney Schwitters. The Eagles received a unanimous 49 points and seven first-place votes.

Minnesota-Morris was second with 43 points, with UWS (37 points), Bethany Lutheran (28) and Northland (26) rounding out the top five.

UWS coach Lynne Deadrick returns for a 19 season and returns 10 players while welcoming eight newcomers. The Yellowjackets went 8-2 overall and 6-2 in conference play.

UWS returns senior setter Megan Holz (9.19 assists per set, UMAC-best 28 service aces), junior defensive specialist Hailey Atwood (3.76 digs per set) and junior outside hitter Alexie Pryd (4.08 points per set, 3.57 kills per set, team-best six double-doubles).

’Jackets picked to win men’s cross country crown

Wisconsin-Superior is tabbed to take the men’s team title as UMAC cross country returns for the first time in two years this fall.

The Yellowackets received 45 points and four first-place votes in the preseason coaches’ poll released Thursday, with UWS five points ahead of Minnesota-Morris, which received 40 points and three first-place votes.

UWS, which won three straight conference titles from 2016-18, returns senior Derrick Moe of Cloquet, who placed fifth at the 2019 conference championships and could contend for the individual title this fall. He is joined by fellow veterans Mitchell Hammer and Connor Nelson.

• Minnesota-Morris is expected to edge UWS for the women’s team title. The Cougars received 47 points and five first-place votes, with the Yellowjackets receiving 44 points and three first-place votes.

UWS returns Nicole Koski, who finished 15th at the UMAC championships in 2019.