BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team has been picked to finish ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

MSU received the ninth spot in the poll after receiving 113 points. Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 16-13 overall record, including a 10-10 NSIC record.

Concordia-St. Paul was picked to finish first with 218 points and 10 first-place votes, with Southwest Minnesota State following right behind with 202 points and three first-place votes. Minnesota Duluth (201 points), Augustana (172 points) and Winona State (171 points) rounded out the top-five.

Sophomore outside hitter Morgan Olson was named MSU's Player to Watch. Last season, Olson finished third on the team in kills with 218 and fourth on the team in blocks with 37.

The Mavericks open their season on Friday, Sept. 1, as they take on Wisconsin-Parkside and Wayne State (Mich.) in Wayne, Mich. Start times are set for 12:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., respectively.

NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll
 

Team (1st place votes)	Points
1. Concordia-St. Paul (10)	218
2. Southwest Minnesota State (3)	202
3. Minnesota Duluth (2)	201
4. Augustana (1)	172
5. Winona State	171
6. Wayne State	157
7. Sioux Falls	146
8. Northern State	133
9. Minnesota State	113
10. MSU Moorhead	77
11. Upper Iowa	74
12. Minnesota Crookston	71
13. St. Cloud State	70
14. University of Mary	54
15. Bemidji State	46
16. Minot State	15