https://ucasports.com/news/2021/8/11/volleyball-uca-selected-eighth-in-preseason-asun-volleyball-poll.aspxATLANTA, Ga - The ASUN Conference announced today the preseason voting results for the upcoming volleyball season. In those results, the University of Central Arkansas was selected to finish eighth in their inaugural season.
The ASUN coaches decide upon the preseason voting as they determine the projected standings for the year. The Sugar Bears were selected eighth out of 12 teams with 64 points for their first appearance on the ballot. UCA was selected second amongst new members to the conference as Jacksonville State claimed the top honor at No. 5.
Florida Gulf Coast was given the top spot as they received 133 total points and five first-place votes. Another new addition to the ASUN, Eastern Kentucky, claimed the bottom spot with 31 total points.
Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"We are not sure what to expect for what each of our conference opponents look like. I do know that we definitely have things to prove for ourselves. Our expectation is to always be on top."
Preseason Player of the Year: Erin Shomaker, FGCU
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Rocio Moro, North Florida
Preseason Setter of the Year: Chelsey Lockey, FGCU
Preseason All-Conference Team
OH Erin Shomaker, FGCU Jr.
OH Lauren Chastang, Kennesaw State Sr.
S Chelsey Lockey, FGCU Sr.
L Lena Kindermann, Jacksonville State Sr.
S Delaney Dilfer, Lipscomb So.
MB Meg Mersman, Lipscomb So.
OH Dariana Hollingsworth-Santana, North Florida Gr.
Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll
1. FGCU (5) 133
2. Lipscomb (5) 128
3. Kennesaw State 108
4. North Florida (1) 103
5. Jacksonville State 94
6. Liberty 85
7. Stetson 71
8. Central Arkansas 649. Bellarmine 46
10. Jacksonville 41
11. North Alabama (1) 32
12. Eastern Kentucky 31