Illinois State junior Ruth Ziegler has been named to the Missouri Valley Conference preseason All-Conference Team. The Redbirds are projected to finish sixth in the MVC preseason poll of 11 coaches. Ziegler led ISU returners last season with 219 kills, a .248 attack percentage, and 53 blocks. The team welcomes back seven key players from last year, including Ziegler and her teammate Logan Grevengoed, while also incorporating a new wave of talented transfers and freshmen. The Redbirds concluded last season with a 14-16 record.

By the Numbers
  • Ruth Ziegler recorded 219 kills last season, leading all returners.
  • The Redbirds finished the previous season with a 14-16 overall record.
State of Play
  • Ziegler's notable performance has garnered her preseason recognition in the MVC.
  • The team retains valuable players from last year while adding several impactful newcomers.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the Redbirds will look to leverage their mix of experienced returners and fresh talent to improve on last season's performance. The coaches' poll indicates they will face competitive challenges within the MVC.

Bottom Line

The Redbirds aim to exceed expectations this season, blending leadership from seasoned players like Ziegler with promising new recruits. Their preseason ranking should serve as motivation to elevate their game and secure a better standing in the MVC.