The Missouri Western State University Griffons were picked 10th in the MIAA preseason coaches poll which was released Tuesday (August 13) by the league office. The Griffons report for camp on Saturday, August 13 and will have their first practice on Aug. 19 at 9:00 am. The Griffons, who finished the 2012 season with a 16-16 record, will open the season on Sept. 6 participating in the Pittsburg State University Invitationa. The Griffons will take on Rockhurst University at 12:00 pm and Quincy University at 4:30 pm.
Missouri Western was picked 10th in the coaches poll with 116 points trailing 9th place Lindenwood by three points (42). Nebraska-Kearney tops the poll with 118 points and eight first place votes while Central Missouri received 108 points and one first place vote. Washburn is close behind in third with three first place votes and 107 points while Emporia State, Pittsburg State and Northwest come in 4th, 5th and 6th with 89, 71 and 68 points respectively. Fort Hays State received 65 points in 7th place while Central Oklahoma is in 8th with 52 point. Southwest Baptist and Missouri Southern round out the poll with 21 and 12 points respectively.
Missouri Western will have its home opener against Fort Hays State on Sept. 24 starting at 7 p.m. in the MWSU Fieldhouse.
The Griffons return 8 players who started at least 10 matches last season and 11 players who played in 20 or sets. The Griffons return honorable mention All-MIAA selections Stephanie Hattey (S/OH, 5-9, Sr., Kearney, Mo.) and Jessie Thorup (RS, 5-11, So., Olathe, Kan.).
Stephanie Hattey had a solid 2012 for the Griffons. Hattey, who is normally a setter, was forced into playing outside hitter this season. Hattey had eight matches where she had double digit kills which included a career best 15 on November 9 at Pittsburg State. She also had double digit sets in 28 of her 32 matches which included a season high 39 on October 13 against Central Oklahoma. Hattey was also solid on defense tallying double digit digs in 22 matches with a season high 24 in the Griffons last game of the season on November 10. Hattey guided the Griffons to their most victories in a season since 2006 when they matched the 16 win mark. Hattey was second on the team with 243 kills with a 2.11 kill per set. She led the team with 656 set assists on the season, and was second with 369 digs.
As a freshman Jessie Thorup led the Griffons with 274 kills and 2.38 kill per set. She also hit .230 making just 109 errors on 718 attack attempts. Thorup had double digit kills in 12 matches which included a career best 14 on November 6 in a Griffons 3-1 victory over Quincy University. She had a career best hitting percentage on November 9 at Pittsburg State, hitting .440 with 12 kills and just one error. On October 13 against Central Oklahoma she had seven of her 53 blocks on the season.
The Griffons finished the season 16-16 overall, which is their best record since 2006 when they were 16-15. The 16 victories was the most under head coach Cory Frederick as he had 11, 12, 14 and 16 wins the past four seasons. Frederick resigned as the MWSU volleyball coach this spring and former assistant Marian Carbin will begin her first year as the Griffon head coach. Carbin assisted with the program the past four seasons.
2013 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (8) 118
2. Central Missouri (1) 108
3. Washburn (3) 107
4. Emporia State 89
5. Pittsburg State 71
6. Northwest Missouri 68
7. Fort Hays State 65
8. Central Oklahoma 52
9. Lindenwood 42
10. Missouri Western 39
11. Southwest Baptist 21
12. MIssouri Southern 12
— MWSU Sports Information —