Cleveland State Tabbed Horizon League Volleyball Preseason Favorite
INDIANAPOLIS (August 21, 2017) - 2016 Horizon League Volleyball Regular Season and Tournament Champions Cleveland State has been chosen as the top team in the 2017 Preseason poll. The Vikings narrowly edged out Green Bay for the number one spot in the poll. Cleveland State earned four first-place votes and 81 total points to secure the title of preseason favorite.
Coming off back-to-back Horizon League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, the Vikings graduated 2016 Horizon League Player of the Year Grace Kauth, but bring back 2016 Setter of the Year Gina Kilner for her senior season and Co-Freshman of the Year honoree outside hitter Sara Skeens.
With three first-place votes and 79 points, the Phoenix were voted second in the preseason poll. Finishing second in the regular season before falling in the 2016 Horizon League Championship game last season, Green Bay returns middle blocker Lydia DeWeese who earned First-Team All-League recognition and All-Freshman setter Maddie Yoss.
Oakland (63) garnered one first-place vote and edged out Milwaukee (60) for third place in the poll. The Golden Grizzlies finished fourth in the regular season last year and return First-Team All-League selection Sammy Condon and All-Freshman Team member setter Jordan Lentz. The Panthers secured the fifth seed in the 2016 Tournament and return three All-Freshman Team representatives, including First-Team All-League and Co-Freshman of the Year honoree Bridget Wallenberger.
Northern Kentucky (52) finished fifth in the poll ahead of league newcomer IUPUI (41). UIC recorded 31 points to edge Wright State (30) for seventh place, while Youngstown State rounded out the poll.
The regular season begins on Friday, August 25 and the 2017 Horizon League Championship will be held on November 17-19 at the home court of the highest seed that meets facility requirements. The top six seeds will compete for the title.
2017 Horizon League Volleyball Preseason Poll
Team Pts. (1st)
1. Cleveland State (4) 81
2. Green Bay (3) 79
3. Oakland (1) 63
4. Milwaukee 60
5. Northern Kentucky 52
6. IUPUI 41
7. UIC (1) 31
8. Wright State 30
9. Youngstown State 12
