KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team enters the 2019 season ranked 10th according to the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Monday by the league office.

The Tigers earned 25 points in the balloting process, eight back of ninth-place Missouri Southern and 10 behind Emporia State in eighth place. Washburn topped the poll with seven first-place votes and 96 points. Nebraska-Kearney and Central Missouri split the final four first-place votes evenly, with the Lopers listed second in front of the Jennies in third.

Fort Hays State and second-year head coach Jessica Wood-Atkins look to build off last year’s 8-22 record. Eight newcomers join nine returners, including four starters, on the 2019 roster.

Tiger fans have two chances to catch the team in action inside Gross Memorial Coliseum during the preseason, including the annual Black and Gold Scrimmage and one exhibition contest. FHSU will hold its inter-squad scrimmage on Tuesday at 6 p.m. before hosting Friends University in an exhibition match Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.

The regular season will kick off Sept. 6 when the Tigers head to Chadron, Neb., for four matches in the Eagle Classic. Fort Hays State will then return home to host the 2019 Tiger Classic Sept. 13-14, including six matches each day beginning at 9 a.m.

2019 MIAA Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll
1. Washburn (7) – 96 points
2. Nebraska Kearney (2) – 90 points
3. Central Missouri (2) – 83 points
4. Central Oklahoma – 71 points
5. Northwest Missouri – 67 points
6. Missouri Western – 54 points
7. Pittsburg State – 40 points
8. Emporia State – 35 points
9. Missouri Southern – 33 points
10. Fort Hays State – 25 points
11. Newman – 11 points