Aug. 11, 2011
ST. LOUIS -
The Illinois State volleyball team was picked fifth in the 2011 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league office Thursday.
Back-to-back defending Valley champion, Northern Iowa, was the unanimous pick to finish atop the conference again with all 10 first-place votes. Wichita State (87) was picked in second, followed by Creighton (77) and Missouri State (75). Drake (43), Evansville (42), Indiana State (28) and Bradley (16) were picked behind ISU.
Illinois State returns 10 letterwinners after finishing with a 19-14 overall record in the 2010 season. The Redbirds open the 2011 season Aug. 26 and 27 against Utah Valley, Northern Arizona and Cal State Bakersfield at the Wolverine Invitational in Orem, Utah.
2011 Missouri Valley Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Iowa (10) - 100
2. Wichita State - 87
3. Creighton - 77
4. Missouri State - 75
5. Illinois State - 52
6. Drake - 43
7. Southern Illinois - 42
8. Evansville - 30
9. Indiana State - 28
10. Bradley - 16
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