St. Edward's volleyball team is set to finish 11th in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll, as determined by coaches, athletic directors, and media members. Defending champion Angelo State leads the poll, receiving 41 of 54 first-place votes, while the Hilltoppers secured 463 points amid a competitive 18-team landscape. Last season, they finished at .500 (11-11) with an 8-9 conference record, showing promising growth with six additional wins under head coach Jeremy Garcia. Notable players include Kelli Fording, the Offensive Player to Watch, and Giselle Ojeda, the Defensive Player to Watch, as they prepare for the upcoming season opener against Missouri Western.

By the Numbers
  • Kelli Fording led the Hilltoppers with 256 kills and 302 points last season.
  • Giselle Ojeda recorded 376 digs, averaging 4.53 per set.
State of Play
  • St. Edward's is coming off an 11-11 season and has shown improvement in conference performance.
  • The team features standout players with accolades adds depth to their lineup.
What's Next

The Hilltoppers will begin their season against Missouri Western on August 28, followed by their first conference match at home against UT Permian Basin on September 18. Performance in these early games could influence their position in the upcoming conference standings.

Bottom Line

The Hilltoppers have a challenging season ahead, aiming to outperform their predicted 11th-place finish. With key players poised to elevate their game, the focus will be on turning potential into results, and asserting their presence in the Lone Star Conference.