KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Central Oklahoma was picked second in the MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Friday, with the Bronchos also receiving three first-place votes in the poll.
Defending league champion Central Missouri was picked first with five first-place votes. Nebraska Kearney is third behind UCO and also received three first-place votes. Washburn, who received one first-place vote, is fourth and Missouri Western was picked fifth.
Northwest Missouri was sixth, in front of new league member Arkansas Fort Smith at seventh. Missouri Southern, Emporia State, and Pittsburg State are 8-9-10. And Fort Hays State and Newman are 11th and 12th.
Central Oklahoma finished second in the MIAA last season, posting a 26-5 overall record with a 17-3 mark in league play. The Bronchos return 14 players from last year's squad.
Central begins the 2024 season Sept. 6-7 in San Angelo, Texas for the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational. The Bronchos will play UT Permian Basin and Angelo State on the first day before taking on New Mexico Highlands and Fort Lewis on the second day. UCO also has a single road game at Oklahoma Baptist before another weekend tournament in Florida. Central makes its home debut Sept. 19 against Southwestern Oklahoma State.
2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Central Missouri (5), 113 points
2. Central Oklahoma (3), 110
3. Nebraska Kearney (3), 106
4. Washburn (1), 90
5. Missouri Western, 81
6. Northwest Missouri, 68
7. Arkansas-Fort Smith, 62
8. Missouri Southern, 49
9. Emporia State, 39
10. Pittsburg State, 35
11. Fort Hays State, 28
12. Newman, 11
