Two-time defending regular season champion Oklahoma Baptist is the pick of Sooner Athletic Conference volleyball coaches to take the league title in 2012.

The Lady Bison, who were 14-0 in the SAC last season, received five of seven first-place votes and finished with 35 of a possible 36 points in the poll.

"It's good to be able have the respect of a lot of good programs in this league," said Lady Bison Coach Anna Howle. "It gives us a lot of confidence but it also puts a big target on our back and we lost a good senior class. We'll have a lot to prove."

Lubbock Christian picked up the remaining two first-place votes and had 28 points.

Wayland Baptist is third with 25 points, finishing just ahead of John Brown at 24. Oklahoma City is ranked fifth with 18 points, Mid-America Christian sixth with nine points and St. Gregory's is ranked seventh with eight points.

SAC Volleyball Coaches' Poll Results

No.  School (first place votes)   Points    2011 Record

1      Oklahoma Baptist (5)        35          31-11 (14-0)

2      Lubbock Christian (2)       28          24-8 (10-4)

3      Wayland Baptist                25          20-15 (8-6)          

4      John Brown                       24          18-16 (6-8)

5      Oklahoma City                  18          12-25 (5-9)

6      Mid-America Christian      9            7-27 (1-13)

7      St. Gregory's                     8            8-21 (1-13)