WASHINGTON - Saint Louis volleyball was tabbed for a eighth-place finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference preseason poll, the league announced on Tuesday. 

Dayton was picked the favorite with 97 points and eight first place votes, followed by back-to-back tournament champions Loyola Chicago with 91 points and two first place votes. VCU was picked third with 79 points, followed by George Mason (60), George Washington (59), Duquesne (54), Davidson (42), Saint Louis (32), Rhode Island (19) and Fordham (17)

The Billikens return nine players from last year's squad including Second Team All-Conference member Jetta Brenning and fellow All-Rookie selection, Ellie Rink.