SELINSGROVE, Pa. - The Susquehanna University women's volleyball team has been picked to finish in second place in the Commonwealth Conference during the upcoming season, as selected by the league's eight coaches.

The Crusaders, who finished second last fall with a 5-2 league record, posted a 17-12 overall record in 2000 and hosted a Commonwealth Conference playoff match for the first time in school history. Susquehanna returns four starters, including a pair of single-season record holders in senior outside hitter Lydia Steward (Philipsburg, PA/Philipsburg-Osceola H.S.), who recorded 468 digs, and sophomore setter Robin Clarke (Huntingdon, PA/Huntingdon Area H.S.), who dished out 886 assists.

Perennial Division III powerhouse Juniata is the favorite to capture its 21st consecutive conference title, while the Crusaders are followed by Moravian and Messiah in the coaches poll.

The Crusaders open the 2001 season on Saturday, September 1 at the Franklin & Marshall Tournament.