By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University and Nebraska-Kearney volleyball tied for first place in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Volleyball Poll released by the conference office on Monday.
Washburn volleyball received a conference-high five first-place votes in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll while tying Nebraska-Kearney for the top spot. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
After receiving a No. 8 national ranking in the AVCA poll a week ago, Washburn received the most preseason first-place votes in the conference with five while receiving 134 total points.
Last season the Ichabods posted a 27-5 overall and a 13-3 mark during the MIAA regular season, sharing the conference regular-season title.
Washburn advanced to the NCAA Central Region semifinals and ended the season ranked No. 8 in the nation.
Joining Washburn at the top of the poll is UNK, which also received 134 total points with four first-place votes.
Missouri Western came in third with 123 points and two first-place votes while Emporia State received the final two first-place nods and collected 107 points. Central Oklahoma rounded out the top-five with 104 points.
The regular season begins at home for Washburn on Thursday against Oklahoma Christian, with first serve at 6 p.m.
2026 MIAA VOLLEYBALL
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
T1. Washburn (5) – 134 points
T1. Nebraska Kearney (4) – 134 points
3. Missouri Western (2) – 123 points
4. Emporia State (2) – 107 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 104 points
6. Central Missouri – 90 points
7. Pittsburg State – 81 points
8. Fort Hays State – 63 points
9. Northwest Missouri – 57 points
10. Missouri Southern – 46 points
11. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 40 points
12. Newman – 23 points
13. Northeastern State – 12 points
(#) -- First-place votes
