MIAA Lands Five in 2009 AVCA Preseason Top 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Five MIAA squads were voted in the top 25 of the 2009 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Division II Coaches' Poll, released Thursday afternoon.

Defending MIAA Champion Emporia State will begin the season ranked No. 3 nationally after receiving 710 points in the poll. Truman follows in the top 10 at No. 9 with 530 points. Washburn was voted preseason No. 11 with 468 points, Central Missouri was picked 12th with 442 points and Pittsburg State was selected 17th with 269 points.

Two-time defending NCAA Division II Champion Concordia-St. Paul was voted unanimous preseason No. 1, receiving all 32 first-place votes and 800 total points.

The 2009 volleyball season begins Aug. 28, with MIAA play starting Sept. 15.

2009 American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Division II Coaches' Poll
(Aug. 20, 2009)

1. Concordia-St. Paul (32) - 800
2. Cal State San Bernardino -- 760
3. Emporia State -- 710
4. Grand Valley State -- 692
5. West Texas A&M -- 671
6. Nebraska-Kearney -- 655
7. Minnesota Duluth -- 572
8. Southwest Minnesota State -- 549
9. Truman -- 530
10. Tampa -- 511
11. Washburn -- 468
12. Central Missouri -- 442
13. UC San Diego -- 411
14. California (Pa.) -- 394
15. West Florida -- 346
16. Florida Southern -- 293
17. Pittsburg State -- 269
18. Cal Poly Pomona -- 247
19. Nova Southeastern -- 213
20. Cal State L.A. -- 187
21. Lewis -- 150
22. Augustana (S.D.) -- 126
23. Western Washington -- 106
24. Western Oregon -- 73
25. Wayne State (Neb.) -- 56

Others Receiving Votes and listed on two or more ballots: Minnesota State 39; Saginaw Valley State 25; Northern Kentucky 13; Dowling 11; Indianapolis 11; Sonoma State 10; Chico State 9; Wingate 9; Armstrong Atlantic State 6; Northern Michigan 2

Nine schools were listed on only one ballot for a total of 33 points.