FREELAND, Mich.-- Trine was picked to finish third in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association by the league's coaches in the conference's preseason volleyball poll, released Thursday.
The Thunder received votes totaling 48 points in the poll. Last season Trine earned its best season as a member of NCAA Division III, finishing 24-6 overall and placing third in the conference with a 12-4 mark in league matches. The team loses just one starter off last season's squad. The Thunder return one All-MIAA performer as well as five of the team's top six offensive options from a year ago.
Libero Mikayla Carpenter (Huntington, Ind./Huntington North) established herself as the team's top defensive performer on her way to earning All-MIAA Second Team recognition last season. Carpenter led the conference with an average of 5.03 digs per set in MIAA-action and is expected to anchor the team's defensive efforts once again.
Trine will have plenty of options on the attack with Taylor Rabel (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central), Lauren Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) and Megan Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) returning on the outside. Rabel led the team in kills the last two seasons, while Lauren Verkamp racked up career-best offensive numbers across the board.
Olivia Deck (Lansing, Mich./Grand Ledge) and Laura Hartman (Laingsburg, Mich./Laingsburg) give the Thunder a pair of experienced options in the middle. Hartman earned a conference player of the week honor last season.
Trine expects several freshman to compete for playing team at spots around the court. The team will also need to replace two-time All-MIAA setter Carly Searles.
The Thunder open the season Friday, Sept. 4 at the Mount Union Invitational, where the team will play four matches in two days. The home opener is set for Sept. 11 against conference-foe Saint Mary's. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule.
Calvin was selected as the preseason favorite in the MIAA by the conference's coaches. The complete results of the poll are listed below.
MIAA Preseason Volleyball Poll
Place. Team, Points
1. Calvin, 64
2. Hope, 56
3. Trine, 48
4. Alma, 45
5. Adrian, 30
6. Kalamazoo, 26
7. Saint Mary's, 24
8. Albion, 22
9. Olivet, 9
