The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns volleyball team starts the 2011 season as a member of the new Great American Conference. Tech, which finished last season with a 31-5 overall record and claimed its second Gulf South Conference West Division title in the last three years, was voted as a clear favorite to win the first ever GAC title by the 2011 GAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

The Golden Suns earned 63 points; including seven out of a possible nine first place votes, to finish five points in front of second place Harding, in the coaches’ poll.

The poll was voted on by the league’s nine volleyball head coaches and the coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

One look at the roster for the Golden Suns and one can see why Tech is a favorite. The Golden Suns return four starters and 12 letter winners from last season’s squad that advanced to the semifinals of the GSC Tournament for the first time since 2002. In addition to the 12 returners, eighth-year Tech Head Coach Kristy Bayer welcomes five newcomers to the squad.

The Golden Suns opened the 2011 season on Sept. 2 at the Rockhurst Classic in Kansas City, Mo. The Golden Suns finished the classic with a 3-1 mark.

The Suns return to action Friday when they open play in the Country Inn and Suites Invitational at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Other schools competing include Cedarville, West Georgia, Christian Brothers and the classic host, Alabama-Huntsville. Play continues Saturday.