UNK Volleyball took the top spot in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, which was announced by the conference on Friday morning.
The Lopers took four first-place votes in the poll, while regular season champion Northwest Missouri State took second place with three first-place votes. Central Oklahoma took third, and MIAA Tournament Champion Washburn took fourth place. The top five was rounded out by the Central Missouri Jennies.
The Lopers now await to see where they land in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, which is announced on Tuesday. UNK finished 15th in last year’s final poll. Washburn and Northwest Missouri were also ranked in the final poll last year, with Central Oklahoma and Central Missouri recieving votes.
The annual “Blue/White” scrimmage will be held this Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Health & Sports Center. UNK will then compete in an exhibition match against Wayne State on August 30th, as a part of Volleyball Day in Nebraska. The season kicks off in Salt Lake City two days later with the Westminster College Invite.
2023 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Nebraska Kearney (4) – 92 points
2. Northwest Missouri (3) – 88 points
3. Central Oklahoma (2) – 80 points
4. Washburn (2) – 77 points
5. Central Missouri – 73 points
6. Pittsburg State – 53 points
7. Missouri Western – 45 points
8. Missouri Southern – 35 points
9. Fort Hays State – 29 points
10. Emporia State – 19 points
11. Newman – 14 points
