Volleyball is fifth in MIAA preseason poll

ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- The Olivet College volleyball team has been picked fifth in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) preseason poll, announced today by the league publicist.

In voting by the coaches, the Comets received 38 total points. Defending NCAA Division III national champion Calvin College was picked the preseason favorite with eight points, followed by Hope College with 16 points. Alma College was third with 24 points and Kalamazoo College in fourth with 38 points. After Olivet was Trine (Ind.) University (39), Adrian College (50), Saint Mary's (Ind.) College (55) and Albion College (64).

Under the leadership of second-year head coach Lynnette Moster, the Comets had 20 players report for the 2011 season. Included in this group is senior outside hitter Jordy Bergeron (Muskegon/Mona Shores), sophomore setter Cassie McDonald (Battle Creek/Pennfield) and sophomore defensive specialist Kaitlyn Salhaney (Caledonia/East Kentwood). These three players return with the most varsity playing experience.

Olivet will host an open practice this Saturday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m.-noon. The Comets will officially kick off their season Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2-3 at the Marietta College River City Classic. On Friday night, they will play Kenyon (Ohio) College at 5 p.m., followed by a match against the host Pioneers. On Saturday, Olivet will play Methodist (N.C.) University at 10 a.m., followed by a match against Oberlin (Ohio) College. The Comets will host Adrian College in their home and MIAA-opener Tuesday, Sept. 6, at The Cutler Event Center, starting at 6:30 p.m.

1. Calvin (8) -- 8
2. Hope (1) -- 16
3. Alma -- 24
4. Kalamazoo -- 30
5. OLIVET -- 38
6. Trine, Ind. -- 39
7. Adrian -- 50
8. Saint Mary's, Ind. -- 55
9. Albion -- 64

KEY: number of first-place votes in parenthesis. Coaches could not vote for their own team.