Mitchell, S.D. – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) announced the 2023 volleyball preseason coaches’ poll this morning. Coaches among the conference picked the Tigers to finish fifth in the conference with 70 points. DWU is projected to finish ahead of College of Saint Mary (67), Hastings (58), Dordt (48), Morningside (36), Doane (25), Mount Marty (21), and Briar Cliff (18).
DWU volleyball finished last season with a 25-8 overall record and an 11-5 record in GPAC play. The Tigers started off their NAIA National Tournament run with three straight wins against Kansas Wesleyan (3-0), Southern Oregon (3-0), and MidAmerica Nazarene (3-1) before falling to Midland in the quarterfinal round (3-0).
The returning National, GPAC regular season and tournament champion Jimmies of Jamestown totaled 101 points and five first place votes to top the list. Concordia was picked second with 99 points and three first place votes. Dordt was picked third with 95 points and three first place votes as well to round off the top three for the GPAC. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
2023 GPAC Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll:
Place Team Pts (1st Place Votes)
1. Jamestown 101 (5)
2. Concordia 99 (3)
3. Northwestern 95 (3)
4. Midland 88 (1)
5. Dakota Wesleyan 70
6. College of Saint Mary 67
7. Hastings 58
8. Dordt 48
9. Morningside 36
10. Doane 25
11. Mount Marty 21
12. Briar Cliff 18
The Tigers open their season with four games in Florida, match at Dakota State, and four games in Omaha, Neb. DWU then hosts Dordt on September 6 for the first GPAC and home match of the season.