Women's Volleyball | August 24

DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University volleyball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference West division, according to the annual Preseason Coaches' Poll the conference office released Wednesday.

The Huskies received 32 points in the poll behind fellow West division teams Balls State (72), Western Michigan (55) and Toledo (49). In the East division, Bowling Green (71), Ohio (59) and Kent State (40) headline the poll.

Last season, NIU finished fourth in the West with an overall record of 16-13 and was 10-8 in MAC play. During the offseason, head coach Ray Gooden added three freshman and two transfer student-athletes to bolster the team's strengths. Outside hitter Katie Jablonski (Elburn, Ill./Kaneland/New Hampshire) and Ella Mihacevich (Brunswick, Ohio/Padua Franciscan) add depth to the offensive side of the net while Francesca Bertucci (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle) should keep the team grounded on defense.

The Huskie Invitational kicks off NIU's regular season this weekend. NIU will face NJIT at noon and South Dakota State at 6 p.m. on Friday before they conclude the tournament Saturday when they square off against UIC at 2 p.m.

Season Tickets start at $30 in the general admission. A Huskie Four-Pack is available at $22.50 per ticket, with a minimum of four season tickets purchased. New for the 2022 season is the addition of 20 courtside seats on the south side of Victor E. Court. For $180, which includes a season ticket and Premium Seat License, Huskie fans will have a chance to experience NIU Volleyball like never before for less than $13 per match. All orders have a $5 handling fee. To purchase, click on the following link.
 
2022 MAC Volleyball East Division Predictions
1. Bowling Green (11) - 71 points
2. Ohio - 59 points
3. Kent State (1) - 40 points
4. Buffalo - 34 points
5. Miami - 32 points
6. Akron - 16 points
 
2022 MAC Volleyball West Division Predictions
1. Ball State (12) - 72 points
2. Western Michigan - 55 points
3. Toledo - 49 points
4. Northern Illinois - 32 points
5. Central Michigan - 29 points
6. Eastern Michigan - 15 points
 
Predicted Tournament Champion: Bowling Green (7), Ball State (4), Western Michigan (1)
 
East Division Preseason All-MAC Team
Petra Indrova, Bowling Green
Katelyn Meyer, Bowling Green
Julia Walz, Bowling Green
Savannah Matthews, Kent State
Caroline Clippard, Ohio
Sam Steele, Ohio
 
West Division Preseason All-MAC Team
Natalie Mitchem, Ball State
Marie Plitt, Ball State
Megan Wielonski, Ball State
Raeven Chase, Eastern Michigan
Taylor Alt, Toledo
Logan Case, Western Michigan
Maggie King, Western Michigan