BY FHSU Sports Information
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team will open the 2018 season as the 11th-ranked team in the MIAA, according to the annual preseason coaches poll released Thursday (August 16) by the league office. The Tigers finished 11th in the league a year ago and were picked to finish in the same spot by the head volleyball coaches in the MIAA.
Nebraska Kearney was picked to defend its MIAA co-regular season and tournament championships, earning 108 points and eight first place votes. Co-regular season champions Missouri Western picked up a pair of first place votes and is ranked second with 94 points. The Tigers acquired 27 points in the voting process, three behind a tie for ninth between Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern.
The Tigers, coming off an 11-23 campaign, return 12 letterwinners and five redshirt freshmen from a year ago while adding four talented newcomers in the mix.
Fort Hays State and head coach Jessica Wood-Atkins opens the regular season on Friday, August 24 in Goodwell, Okla. Click in the window below for an in-depth season preview.
2018 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska Kearney (8) – 108
2. Missouri Western (2) – 94
3. Central Oklahoma – 92
4. Central Missouri – 85
5. Washburn (1) – 72
6. Northwest Missouri – 67
7. Lindenwood – 60
8. Emporia State – 50
t9. Pittsburg State – 30
t9. Missouri Southern – 30
11. Fort Hays State – 27
12. Southwest Baptist – 11