Concordia (St. Paul), the six-time defending NCAA Division II national champion, is ranked No. 1 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's preseason poll in its division. Two other Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference teams are in the top six: Minnesota Duluth is No. 4 and Southwest Minnesota State No. 6.
The Golden Bears, 33-4 last season, open the season against the Colorado School of Mines at home on Sept. 6.
MIAC adds shootouts
There won't be ties in MIAC men's hockey anymore. The conference announced it will use shootouts to decide a winner after scoreless overtimes.
It is also going to a three-point system for its standings. Three points will be awarded for a regulation win, two for an overtime or shootout win, and one for an overtime or shootout loss.
"The shootout will be an exciting feature for our student-athletes and fans, and it will give all the hard-fought overtime games a thrilling conclusion," said Dan McKane, the MIAC's executive director.
Etc.
• Celia Kuenster, a senior at Cretin-Derham Hall, shot a 2-under par 71 on the second day of the Minnesota Women's State Amateur to take a three-stroke lead at Dellwood Country Club. Olivia Herrick is alone at second at 150 going into the final round.
• The St. Paul Saints defeated Sioux Falls 7-5 at Midway Stadium by rallying for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Brandon Tripp had the big hit, a three-run double to give him a team-leading 68 RBI.
• Gophers forward Amanda Kessel was named one of the six finalists for the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Award in the team category by the Women's Sports Foundation.
