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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Overland Park, Kan. -- The Missouri Southern volleyball team has been picked to finish seventh in the annual MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll as announced today by the league office. Southern finished last season with a 23-12 overall record and was third in the MIAA West. The team advanced to the conference tournament and made the program's first ever NCAA Division II South Central Regional field. Washburn was picked to win the league, picking up six first place votes. Truman received three first place votes, and was followed by Central Missouri, Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri to round out the top five. PSU picked up a first place vote, as well. Emporia State, Southern, Missouri Western, Fort Hays and Southwest Baptist were 6-10. Southern returns four starters in Sarah Joles, Ashley Wright, Ashley Hill and Sarah Hoffmeister, as well as Cherie Baugh and Katie Gage, both of whom saw significant playing time last season. Libero Amy Barnicle returns for her senior season after sitting out last year due to a shoulder injury and with 12 returning players, the Lions are deep in experience. The Lions start the season with the Missouri Southern Invitational on August 24 and 25. The complete tournament schedule can be found by clicking here. |