Belles Picked Fourth in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

FREELAND, Mich. - The Saint Mary's volleyball team picked up 40 points and was voted by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) head coaches to finish fourth in the upcoming 2018 season.

Defending MIAA champion and AVCA No. 2 ranked Calvin was atop the poll with 64 points and eight first place votes as coaches are unable to vote for their own teams. Hope was second with 57 points and one first place vote. Albion came in third with 45 points as Saint Mary's rounded out the top four in the poll.

"Our fourth place pick in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll is a great testament to the success of our program," said head coach Denise Van De Walle. "It shows us though that the other MIAA volleyball coaches have a lot of respect for our team. We play in one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in the nation, and we look forward to the opportunities to compete at a high level this fall. "

The Belles are coming off of one of the most successful seasons in program history last fall. The 2017 squad matched the highest finish in MIAA play for a Saint Mary's volleyball team by taking third in the league a year ago. Additionally, the Belles have won 10 MIAA matches in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017.

The season kicks off on September 4 when Saint Mary's hosts Manchester at Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex at 7:00 p.m.

2018 MIAA Volleyball Pre-Season Coaches Poll
1. Calvin - 64 points (8 first place votes)
2. Hope - 57 points (1)
3. Albion - 45 points
4. Saint Mary's - 40 points
5. Trine - 36 points
6. Alma - 30 points
7. Adrian - 29 points
8. Kalamazoo - 15 points
9. Olivet - 8 points