Marauders Picked Fifth in Preseason Poll
8/23/2010 11:28:58 AM | Women's Volleyball
Millersville, Pa. – The Millersville women's volleyball team, which returns only five players from last year's roster, was picked to finish in a tie for fifth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division preseason poll.
The poll was released Monday morning by league officials and was voted on by the league's coaches.
The young Marauder squad was positioned tied for fifth with East Stroudsburg, one spot ahead of sixth-place Cheyney. At the end of the 2009 season, Millersville finished with a fifth-place ranking, ahead of both the Warriors and Wolves.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Brian Smith, the Marauders will look to improve upon their 15-25 record from one year ago. Despite only returning five players, the roster boasts a slew of talented freshmen that Smith looks to provide strength and energy.
“We split a lot of matches last season by just a matter of points,” Smith said of the preseason ranking. “Now we have the potential and athleticism to take control and win those matches.”
Defending PSAC East champion Lock Haven was named the preseason favorite, receiving all seven first-place votes. California, with three consecutive NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships, was tabbed first in the Western Division with three first-place votes.
West Chester followed the Lady Eagles for second place in the East. Also ahead of Millersville was Shippensburg in third and Kutztown in fourth.
The Marauders kick off their 2010 campaign with the Dutch Country Spiketacular tournament, Saturday Sept. 4 in Pucillo Gymnasium. The first match-up between Millersville and Felician is slated for 11 a.m.
PSAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
Eastern Division
1. Lock Haven (7)
2. West Chester
3. Shippensburg
4. Kutztown
T5. East Stroudsburg
T5. Millersville
7. Cheyney
Western Division
1. California (3)
2. Clarion (2)
3. Gannon (1)
4. Edinboro (1)
5. Mercyhurst
6. IUP
7. Slippery Rock
The poll was released Monday morning by league officials and was voted on by the league's coaches.
The young Marauder squad was positioned tied for fifth with East Stroudsburg, one spot ahead of sixth-place Cheyney. At the end of the 2009 season, Millersville finished with a fifth-place ranking, ahead of both the Warriors and Wolves.
Under the direction of first-year head coach Brian Smith, the Marauders will look to improve upon their 15-25 record from one year ago. Despite only returning five players, the roster boasts a slew of talented freshmen that Smith looks to provide strength and energy.
“We split a lot of matches last season by just a matter of points,” Smith said of the preseason ranking. “Now we have the potential and athleticism to take control and win those matches.”
Defending PSAC East champion Lock Haven was named the preseason favorite, receiving all seven first-place votes. California, with three consecutive NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships, was tabbed first in the Western Division with three first-place votes.
West Chester followed the Lady Eagles for second place in the East. Also ahead of Millersville was Shippensburg in third and Kutztown in fourth.
The Marauders kick off their 2010 campaign with the Dutch Country Spiketacular tournament, Saturday Sept. 4 in Pucillo Gymnasium. The first match-up between Millersville and Felician is slated for 11 a.m.
PSAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
Eastern Division
1. Lock Haven (7)
2. West Chester
3. Shippensburg
4. Kutztown
T5. East Stroudsburg
T5. Millersville
7. Cheyney
Western Division
1. California (3)
2. Clarion (2)
3. Gannon (1)
4. Edinboro (1)
5. Mercyhurst
6. IUP
7. Slippery Rock
Saturday, November 08
Saturday, October 11
Friday, October 10
Thursday, September 18
