Northern Kentucky Tops 2022 #HLVB Preseason Poll
INDIANAPOLIS (August 25, 2022) – Northern Kentucky finished atop the 2022 #HLVB Preseason Poll. The Norse earned six first-place votes to edge out Milwaukee and earn the top spot in voting done by the League’s 10 head coaches.
Following a strong 2021 campaign, posting a 15-2 League record and advancing to the championship match, NKU (96 points) returns three All-League First Team selections in Reilly Briggs, Anna Brinkmann and Abby Kanakry and brings back All-Freshman Team honorees Joy Banks and Sequoia Hunt in 2022.
Milwaukee (93 points) was voted second with four first place votes after capturing the regular season title with a 16-2 record last season. The Panthers bring back Player and Offensive Player of the Year Ari Miller and Freshman of the Year Madi Malone, both 2021 All-League First Team selections, this fall.
Coming in third place is Wright State (78 points). The Raiders finished third (14-3) in the regular season in 2021 and return three-time Defensive Player of the Year Jenna Story and All-League Second Team selections Callie Martin and Lainey Stephenson under new head coach Travers Green.
Green Bay placed fourth in the poll with 69 points. The Phoenix were 10-8 in League play last season. All-League First Team member Alex Zakutney and All-Freshman Team selection Abby Gardner are back for GB this season.
Purdue Fort Wayne (56 points) ranked fifth in the poll followed by Oakland (51 points) in sixth and Cleveland State (39 points) in seventh.
IUPUI (28 points), Youngstown State (24 points) and RMU (16 points) rounded out the poll.
The regular season begins for all 11 teams with non-League play on Friday, Aug. 26 while Horizon League play opens on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The 2022 championship will take place Nov. 18-20.
2022 #HLVB Preseason Poll
Pl. Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
1. Northern Kentucky (6) – 96
2. Milwaukee (4) – 93
3. Wright State – 78
4. Green Bay – 69
5. Purdue Fort Wayne – 56
6. Oakland – 51
7. Cleveland State – 39
8. IUPUI – 28
9. Youngstown State – 24
10. RMU – 16