By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Washburn University volleyball was picked to finished fourth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released Friday by the conference.
Washburn University has been picked to finish fourth in the MIAA preseason volleybal poll. [File photo/TSN]
The Ichabods received one vote to finish first in the newly expanded 12-team conference, finishing with a total of 90 points.
Central Missouri was picked to repeat as the regular-season MIAA champion, receiving five first place votes and 113 total points.
Central Oklahoma was close behind with 110 points and three first place votes while Nebraska-Kearney also had three first-place votes to round out the top three coaches' picks.
Missouri Western was picked fifth, just behind Washburn, and Northwest Missouri was tabbed for a sixth-place finish.
Arkansas-Fort Smith was picked seventh in its inaugural season in the MIAA.
Washburn posted a 17-11 overall record last season with an 11-9 record in the MIAA, good for fifth in the conference.
The Ichabods will open their season on Thursday, Sept. 5, against Sioux Falls (S.D.) in Kansas City, Mo. at the Kansas City Classic.
2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Missouri [5] – 113 points
2. Central Oklahoma [3] – 110 points
3. Nebraska Kearney [3] – 106 points
4. Washburn [1] – 90 points
5. Missouri Western – 81 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 68 points
7. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 62 points
8. Missouri Southern – 49 points
9. Emporia State – 39 points
10. Pittsburg State – 35 points
11. Fort Hays State – 28 points
12. Newman – 11 points
[#] - Number of First-Place Votes
