The Penn State women’s volleyball team was named the favorites to win the Big Ten this year for the eighth time in nine seasons, according to the Big Ten Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Additionally, five players — Megan Courtney, Micha Hancock, Deja McClendon, Ariel Scott, and Katie Slay — were named to the preseason All-Big Ten team. Scott was one of three unanimous decisions by the coaches to make the team, and the Nittany Lions had the most players named to the preseason team with five.

Scott was the 2012 Big Ten Player of the Year, as well as an American Volleyball Coaches’ Association First-Team All-American. She played in all 36 matches, starting 35 as an outside hitter. Scott led the Nittany Lions with 469 kills.

Reigning Big Ten Setter of the Year and AVCA First-Team All-American Micha Hancock helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in hitting percentage, where the team ranked third nationally. Hancock posted a tournament record 22 aces in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Going into her junior year, Hancock has 172 career aces, which is fourth on Penn State’s All-Time list.

Deja McClendon was named an AVCA Third-Team All-American last season, which was her time being honored as an All-American honor. McClendon has over 1,000 kills in her career as outside hitter.

Katie Slay earned her second All-American honor, earning a place on the second team. Slay led the Nittany Lions with 164 blocks, which also led the Big Ten. Slay’s hitting percentage was .462, which was good for second highest percentage in the conference.

Reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Megan Courtney returns for her sophomore season as outside hitter. Courtney had 240 kills and 237 digs, both which placed her fourth on the team.

Penn State opens their season August 30th and 31st in the Penn State Invitational against the Polish National Team in an exhibition, Syracuse, and Louisville.