Coach Andrea Hudson and the Lee University volleyball team will begin their quest for a fourth straight NAIA National Tournament appearance with the No. 19 ranking in the NAIA preseason poll. 

The Lady Flames are the only team in the Southern States Athletic Conference featured on the list, and will aim for their third straight undefeated season in league play.  Since joining the SSAC, Hudson has directed the club to a 23-0 mark against conference competition.  However, SSAC rival Berry College (10-2 in conference play in 2005) will lead a group aiming to topple the Maroon and White from the rankings.  The Vikings (29-12 overall last season) will also be seeking their first ranking in only their third year of existence. 

The 2005 Lee squad advanced all the way to the NAIA National Tournament after winning both the conference and Region XIII tournaments, but was stymied in their bid to advance out of pool play.  They were rated at No. 21 in the final national poll. 

This year’s national tourney will be held at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri.  The Maroon and White will have a tough road to nationals, as all but seven of their non-conference matches are against universities ranked by the NAIA or NCAA.  Several others are against traditionally tough opponents, including Spring Hill College.  Additionally, the Lady Flames will face some of the top competition in the NAIA during the Lee Invitational and the Dordt College Tournament.