Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's volleyball team has been projected to finish second in the Midwest Conference (MWC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league. The Lady Blues secured one first-place vote and a total of 54 points, placing them behind Cornell College. Cornell, which has won the conference tournament for the past three seasons, received eight first-place votes and 64 points.

Last season, Illinois College achieved a 7-1 record in conference play and an overall record of 18-13. They were runners-up in the conference tournament. This year, they aim to build on that success under new head coach Claire Scully. The team will return with 15 players from last season, including Ligaya Garibay, who was named the 2023 Newcomer of the Year, and Summer Brandis, an All-Conference honoree.

Grinnell College was picked third with 49 points in the poll. Lake Forest College followed with 44 points, while Monmouth College earned 36 points. Ripon College garnered 28 points; Lawrence University had 23 points; Beloit College and Knox College both tied with 13 points each.

Illinois College is set to begin their season at home during the Illinois College Invitational on Saturday, August 31st. They will face Blackburn College at 10:00 am and Adrian College at 2:00 pm.

The MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll reflects votes from all nine volleyball head coaches within the league.