ELMHURST, Ill. – The Summit League released its annual volleyball preseason poll on Thursday (Aug. 20) and IUPUI was picked to finish second in the league behind last year's regular-season co-champion and tournament champion, Denver.
The Jaguars, who have claimed at least a share of three straight Summit League regular-season titles, totaled 57 points in the preseason poll, including two first-place votes. Denver garnered seven of the first-place votes and 63 total points.
North Dakota State, Oral Roberts and South Dakota were picked to finish third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, while Omaha and IPFW tied for sixth, South Dakota was picked eighth and Western Illinois ninth.
Head coach
Steve Payne enters his 19th season leading the Jaguars volleyball program, and the four-time Summit League Coach of the Year welcomes back a talented roster that fell just short of their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.
Kaitlyn Hickey, a three-time All-Summit League and a 2014 AVCA Honorable-Mention All-America selection, highlights the 11 returners from last year's squad, but the Jaguars boast plenty of offensive weapons.
Kelly Wachtel, a 2014 All-Summit League performer, finished the 2014 season ranked second on the team in kills and first in hitting percentage giving IUPUI an experienced 1-2 offensive punch.
The Jags kick off their 2015 season Aug. 28-29 when they head to Lexington, Ky., for three matches against NCAA Tournament opponents from last season. IUPUI opens the season against Little Rock on Friday, Aug. 28, before taking on Kentucky and Michigan State on Saturday, Aug. 29. Kentucky and Michigan State are ranked 15th and 19th, respectively, in the AVCA Preseason Poll, while Little Rock is receiving votes.
IUPUI opens its 2015 home campaign on Wednesday, Sept. 4, when it hosts Ball State at 7 p.m. at The Jungle.
| 2015 Summit League Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank | School | Points (1st) | 2014 Record (SL) |
| 1. | Denver | 63 (7) | 27-7 (13-3) |
| 2. | IUPUI | 57 (2) | 20-13 (13-3) |
| 3. | North Dakota State | 47 | 15-17 (8-8) |
| 4. | Oral Roberts | 42 | 15-15 (9-7) |
| 5. | South Dakota | 36 | 19-12 (12-4) |
| 6. | Omaha | 28 | 14-19 (6-10) |
| | IPFW | 28 | 13-20 (7-9) |
| 8. | South Dakota State | 12 | 6-27 (0-16) |
| 9. | Western Illinois | 11 | 6-23 (4-12) |
