IRVING, Texas -- After winning just one match in the Big 12 last season, the Colorado volleyball team was picked to finish seventh in the conference this season, according to the coaches' preseason poll released Friday.

Texas, the 2007 Big 12 co-champion, was picked first. The Longhorns received 10 of 11 first-place votes for 100 points. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.

Nebraska was picked second overall with 88 points and Kansas State was third. The Wildcats picked up 84 points and the remaining first-place vote. Texas A&M was fourth (71), Missouri was fifth (62) and Iowa State was selected sixth (55). The remaining teams were Kansas at 10th (23) and Texas Tech was 11th (10).

CU returns seven starters, including the starting libero, from a disappointing 2007 season in which the team finished 6-22 overall and tied for 10th in the conference with a 1-19 record.

No Buff was named to the preaseaon all-conference team.

The Buffs should be boosted by the return of all-conference performer Amber Sutherland, who returns to the lineup after missing last season due to a shoulder surgery.

Colorado begins its season on Friday at the Mississippi State Classic.

Preseason Coaches Poll

First place votes in parantheses

1. Texas (10), 100

2. Nebraska, 88

3. Kansas State (1), 84

4. Texas A&M, 71

5. Missouri, 62

6. Iowa State, 55

7. Colorado, 38

8. Baylor, 37

8. Oklahoma, 37

10. Kansas, 23

11. Texas Tech, 10

Kickoff Classic

set for Labor Day

The CU Kickoff Classic 5K, which benefits the University of Colorado's cross country and track teams, is set for Sept. 1.

The "Running with the Buffaloes" starts at 8 a.m. at CU's Franklin Field, next to Folsom Field. The pre-race entry fee is $20 and race-day registration is $25.

Walk-in registration ends at noon on Aug. 31 and is offered at the Boulder Running Company and Fleet Feet Boulder.

There will also be a kids race starting at 8:45 a.m., and registration for children is $10.

For more info visit www.boulderrunners.org.