Coaches across the country apparently think a little more highly of this year’s Emporia State volleyball team.
After being picked fifth in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, the Hornets were tabbed 11th in the country in Tuesday’s Division II Coaches preseason top 25, their highest ranking ever. The Hornets previous highest ranking was 14th on Nov. 9, 2007.
Washburn, which was picked second in the MIAA poll, was also picked second in the nation. Truman State followed Washburn at No. 3, even though Truman was picked to win the league by the MIAA coaches.
The Hornets, who went 10-3 in conference in 2007 and were ranked 15th in the final National poll, return five starters and their libero from last year’s 27-9 team.
Central Missouri and Pittsburg State, which were both picked ahead of ESU in the MIAA poll, were selected 13 and 17, respectively, in the National poll.
MIAA newcomer Nebraska-Omaha was not ranked in the top 25 but had 19 points in the poll.
ESU opens its season on Aug. 29 at a tournament in Omaha. The home opener against No. 3 Truman State is Sept. 17. The next coaches poll comes out Sept. 1.
CBS College Sports Network/AVCA Division II Coaches Top 25 Poll
1. Concordia-St. Paul (35 first-place votes)
2. Washburn
3. Truman
4. Cal State San Bernardino
5. West Texas A&M 6. Grand Valley State 7. Tampa
8. Minnesota Duluth
9. Florida Southern 10. Western Washington (1)
11. Emporia State 12. Southwest Minnesota State
13. Central Missouri
14. Nebraska-Kearney 15. Lewis
16. Indianapolis
17. Pittsburg State
18. Hillsdale
19. Minnesota State
20. Augustana (S.D.) 21. Ashland
22. UC San Diego
23. West Florida
24. Nova Southeastern
25. Chico State