SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Coming off its first volleyball championship in nine years, Appalachian State University volleyball has been picked to repeat as North Division champions by the Southern Conference head coaches in its pre-season poll announced by league office Thursday. In addition, ASU standouts Amber Mangrum and Kali Rumberger represent Appalachian on the pre season all-conference team. The coaches selected the College of Charleston to win the SoCon this season with Georgia Southern ranking second. Following Appalachian in the poll is Furman in the fourth place slot. Elon, the second place north division team according to the poll, is followed by Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Davidson, East Tennessee State, Wofford, UNC Greensboro, and the Citadel. Mangrum, a senior setter, was a second-team all-SoCon selection last season and is on pace to break the ASU assist record this season, needing only 1,340. Rumberger, a junior outside hitter, returns as the anchor of the Mountaineers attack, having led the squad in kills with 336 last season. Appalachian starts the season off on Saturday, Aug. 28 with the Black and Gold alumni match, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Holmes Center. The Mountaineers open their regular-season campaign on Wednesday, Sept. 1 when they host UNC Asheville at 7 p.m. 2004 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll North 1. Appalachian State 2. Elon 3. Western Carolina 4. Chattanooga 5. East Tennessee State 6. UNC Greensboro South 1. College of Charleston 2. Georgia Southern 3. Furman 4. Davidson 5. Wofford 6. The Citadel 2004 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason All-League Team Amber Mangrum, Appalachian State Kali Rumberger, Appalachian State Kaycie Carr, College of Charleston Marie Dobrenz, College of Charleston Sara Davis, College of Charleston Jenna Dykstra, Davidson Emily Hayes, Elon Julia Fredrickson, Furman Kristen Kaprak, Georgia Southern Janice Pressley, Georgia Southern Kellyn Thaut, Western Carolina Andrea Duke, Wofford