ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western volleyball was picked second in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll that was released Thursday. The Griffons earned 94 total points with two first-place votes.

Head coach Marian Carbin led the Griffons to a league-best 16 wins in 2017, earning the program its first MIAA Championship in school history. Carbin was named MIAA Coach of the Year last season. Carbin’s sixth Griffon team returns five All-MIAA selections and all but two starters from last year’s NCAA Central Region semifinal team.

Finishing ahead of Missouri Western in the preseason poll was fellow 2017 Co-Champion, Nebraska Kearney. The Lopers earned 108 points and eight first-place votes in the poll.

Central Oklahoma, another 2017 NCAA Central Regional qualifier, landed third behind Nebraska Kearney and Missouri Western. Central Missouri was picked fourth and Washburn finished fifth in the poll, receiving one first place vote.

Rounding out the top-half of the conference poll was Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats were followed by Lindenwood and Emporia State. Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern each finished with 30 points and tied for ninth place. Fort Hays State and Southwest Baptist rounded out the poll.

The Griffons will begin the 2018 season against Cedarville University at the UIS Capitol Classic on Friday, Aug. 24 in Springfield, Illinois.

2018 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
Nebraska Kearney (8) – 108
Missouri Western (2) – 94
Central Oklahoma – 92
Central Missouri – 85
Washburn (1) – 72
Northwest Missouri – 67
Lindenwood – 60
Emporia State – 50
Pittsburg State – 30
Missouri Southern – 30
Fort Hays State – 27
Southwest Baptist – 11

— MWSU Athletics —