Northern Iowa is the overwhelming favorte to win the Missouri ValleyConference volleyball title this Fall. The Panthers rolled through leagueplay last year with an 18-0 mark and overall record of 25-3. U-N-I coachIradge Ahrabi-Fard says being a heavy favorite is a good news-bad newsscenario because every team aims for you.The Panthers lost three seniors from a year ago but placed three of thereturnees on the pre-season all conference team. Ahrabi-Fard says this year’steam is a mix of new faces and returning veterans.Ahrabi-Fard says the conference race should be interesting as five or sixteams could finish in first. U-N-I will host the Valley’s post seasontournament. U-N-I opens the season September first at Utah.