BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WV News) — The West Virginia Wesleyan volleyball team has been predicted to finish fifth in the MEC South Division according to the league’s preseason poll conducted by its 11 head coaches.
The team is led by sophomore middle hitter Emily Denison, who earned All-MEC honorable mention and recorded 212 kills and 206 digs during her freshman year. The Bobcats will aim to improve upon last season’s 7-19 overall record, which included a 2-13 mark in conference play.
Wheeling University and West Virginia State University have been chosen as the champions of their respective divisions in Mountain East Conference Volleyball.
Wheeling, the MEC Tournament Champion from last season, topped the north division poll with 10 first-place votes and a total of 50 points. The Cardinals finished last season with a 25-8 record and a 12-2 conference record, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They bring back a strong roster for 2024, including last season’s MEC Player of the Year, Karly Niesen.
Fairmont State and West Liberty tied for second place in the north division poll, each receiving 36 points. Fairmont State also secured a first-place vote, coming off an 18-15 overall record and an 8-6 conference performance. West Liberty, boasting a 23-10 record last year with a 10-4 league mark, also qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
Frostburg State and Point Park rounded out the MEC North Division poll with 23 and 15 points, respectively.
In the MEC South Division, West Virginia State emerged at the top with 56 points and six first-place votes. The Yellow Jackets were the south division champions in 2023 and the top overall seed in the MEC Tournament, finishing with a 26-6 record and a 14-1 conference mark, which also earned them an NCAA Tournament berth. Notable returning players include All-MEC second teamer Kiersten Eggleton and standout freshman Valencia Wilder.
Charleston was voted second in the south division poll, garnering 55 points and five first-place votes. The Golden Eagles had a 24-10 record last year with an 11-4 league performance, led by All-MEC second team members Pia Selke and Emma Shepherd.
Concord followed in third place with 41 points, while Glenville State (30), West Virginia Wesleyan (27), and Davis & Elkins (16) rounded out the rankings.
The volleyball season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 5, with non-conference matches, and conference play begins on Thursday, Sept. 26.
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