WICHITA - The Newman University volleyball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Heartland Conference, according to the 2010 Heartland Conference Volleyball Pre-Season Poll. The poll, which was voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors, was released Monday evening.

The Jets posted an 11-21 overall record last season, including a 6-8 mark in conference play in their way to a fifth place finish in the conference. Along the way, the Jets defeated conference powers Dallas Baptist and defending champion Texas-Permian Basin.

This season, the conference has taken notice of what may be the most impressive recruiting class Newman has ever seen, picking the Jets to finish a spot higher in their 2010 campaign. Three highly-acclaimed junior college transfers and an NCAA Div. II transfer will join a class of five freshmen as Newman's newcomers. They will join a returning core of seven players from the 2009 with the hopes of establishing Newman as a contender in the Heartland Conference.

Defending champion St. Edward's was picked to win the conference.

Newman opens its volleyball season Sept. 3 with a visit to Omaha, Neb., for the UNO Volleyball Showcase. The Jets will take on the hosts from Nebraska-Omaha in the opening match, followed by matches against Chadron State, Northwest Missouri State and Adams State before the conclusion of the tournament.

2010 Heartland Conference Volleyball Pre-Season Poll (Votes/First Place Votes)
1. St. Edward's (66/6)
2. Dallas Baptist (61/3)
3. Texas-Permian Basin (47/1)
4. Newman (37/0)
5. St. Mary's (35/0)
6. Texas A&M International (19/0)
7. Oklahoma Panhandle State (15/0)