The Briar Cliff women's volleyball team has been ranked ninth in the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, following a challenging previous season where they posted a 10-17 record, including a 4-12 performance in conference play. Northwestern leads the poll with 120 points and 10 first-place votes, while Concordia and Dakota Wesleyan follow closely. Key players returning for the Chargers include juniors Aubrey Hoeft and Brooklyn Voss, both of whom received all-conference honors last season. The season kicks off on August 15, with matches against Avila and Peru State at the Newman Flanagan Center.

By the Numbers
  • Briar Cliff finished last season with a 10-17 overall record.
  • Aubrey Hoeft recorded 141.0 blocks, averaging 1.47 blocks per set.
  • Kylie Hart led the team with 423 assists, averaging 4.45 assists per set.
State of Play
  • The Chargers are entering the season with notable returning players in Hoeft and Voss.
  • Hart and Strouth are critical to the team's offensive strategy as setters.
  • The team is looking to improve on last year's performance in the GPAC.
What's Next

The Chargers will face Avila at noon and Peru State at 4 p.m. on August 15. Their performance in these initial matches will set the tone for the rest of the season and could impact their quest to climb the GPAC rankings.

Bottom Line

Briar Cliff has the potential to rise above its preseason ranking if key players perform to their capabilities, particularly in early matches. Fan support will be crucial as the team seeks to build momentum and improve its overall standing in the conference.