The Missouri Western State University Griffons volleyball team were tabbed 8th in the annual preseason coaches poll with 30 points which was released Wednesday, August 3 by the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

The Griffons are coming off of a 12-17 season in 2010 under head coach Cory Frederick. Western finished with an 8-12 MIAA record, finishing in a tie for 6th in the final standings.

The Griffons return numerous players who saw plenty of action a season ago including 2010 MIAA Freshman of the Year, setter/outside hitter Stephanie Hattey (Kearney, Mo.) Other players returning from the starting line-up are senior outside hitter Tahlor Johnson (Marshalltown, Iowa), senior middle hitter Alex Behnke (Seymour, Wis.), senior right side hitter Hannah Zimmerman (Lincoln, Neb.) and junior middle blocker Justine Buskirk (Papillion, Neb.).

Central Missouri was selected as preseason No. 1 by a slight margin over the Washburn Lady Blues. The Jennies received 9 of 10 first-place votes (coaches were not able to vote for their own school) and 81 points to earn the top spot. Washburn, which received the remaining first-place vote, received 73 points to take the preseason No. 2 slot.

Truman State comes in at No. 3 after accumulating 65 points, followed by Emporia State at No. 4 with 50 points, Pittsburg State at No. 5 with 47 points, Northwest Missouri State at No. 6 with 39 points and Missouri Southern at No. 7 with 34 points. UCM, WU, ESU, TSU and NWMSU all earned berths in the NCAA South Central Regional last season.

Western came in 8th with 30 points while, Southwest Baptist was selected No. 9 with 22 points and Fort Hays State was selected 10th with 9 points.

The Griffon volleyball squad will report to fall camp on Sunday, August 14 with the first practice being at 8:30 am on Monday, August 15. The Griffons open up the 2011 season on September 2nd at the 2011 Lady Buff Classic in Canyon, Texas. Western will take on Eastern New Mexico University at 9:00 am and Angelo State University at 4:30 pm.

2011 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 81 pts.
2. Washburn (1) – 73 pts.
3. Truman – 65 pts.
4. Emporia State – 50 pts.
5. Pittsburg State – 47 pts.
6. Northwest Missouri – 39 pts.
7. Missouri Southern – 34 pts.
8. Missouri Western – 30 pts.
9. Southwest Baptist – 22 pts.
10. Fort Hays State – 9 pts.

— MWSU Sports Information —