Ball State women's volleyball 3rd in MAC West preseason poll

The Ball State women's volleyball team was selected to finish third in the Mid-American West Conference Division this season, as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.

The Cardinals finished second in their division last year after finishing 17-13 overall with an 11-5 MAC record.

"I'm very comfortable with where they put us because it's a very flexible place to be," head coach Steve Shondell said. "If you're at the top or bottom, you only have one way to go. So being in the middle really gives us room to go and not feel pressure to go one way."

Shondell predicted that Ball State would be placed third even before the standings came out on Aug. 27. He based his guess on what the Cardinals lost and also who they have coming in.

Ohio, who returns much of its roster, was selected to win the regular season and tournament title.

The Cardinals' sideline general doesn't buy into regular season standings much - only enough to make sure his team qualifies for the eight-team MAC Tournament.

"Our focus is the tournament and being ready to try and win it," Shondell said. "League championships don't guarantee you postseason success or a spot in the NCAA Tournament."

Ball State hasn't reached the NCAA Tournament since the 2011 season.

Senior Kelly Hopkins was a redshirt freshman on that team. Hopkins, along with fellow senior Jenna Spadafora, were selected to the preseason All-MAC West Team.

Each division's all-preseason team is made up of six players, also selected by MAC head coaches.

Ball State opens its season on Aug. 28 as it hosts the Active Ankle Challenge.

"We want to be successful when we are in the postseason, so the regular season results aren't that important," Shondell said. " It's just about having the team and play ready for what comes after."

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