By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team was picked ninth in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday (Aug. 18) by the league office.
The Tigers received 29 points in the balloting process, just six points behind eighth-ranked Missouri Southern and 10 points clear of No. 10 Emporia State.
Fort Hays State turned in a record of 11-17 last season. Five Tigers picked up All-MIAA honors in 2022, the highest total for the program since 2016. FHSU returns a pair of those all-conference performers, including second team honorees Emily Ellis and Riley Tinder.
Ellis and Tinder are joined by 10 other returners, including two other starters in Claire Olson and Gracie Rains. Head coach Jessica Wood-Atkins brought in four newcomers to the roster, including three freshmen and one transfer.
The Tigers will open the regular season at the 2023 Oredigger Classic in Golden, Colo. with four non-conference contests September 1-2. FHSU will then return home for five matches in four days between September 6 and 9. The Tigers will host Kansas Wesleyan in their home opener on September 6 beginning at 7 p.m. before hosting the 2023 Tiger Classic on September 8-9.
Fort Hays State will play a total of 15 matches at home this season, including 10 conference contests. The MIAA home opener is set for September 22 against Central Oklahoma beginning at 6 p.m.
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