ST. LOUIS – The reigning Missouri Valley Conference tournament champion Redbird volleyball team was picked to finish second in a poll of the league's head coaches, the conference office announced on Wednesday. Illinois State returns a trio of all-conference performers in Stef Jankiewicz, Kaylee Martin and Sydney Holt, who were all selected to this year's Preseason All-MVC Team.
The Redbirds tallied 93 points in the poll, behind preseason favorite UNI, who collected 96 points. Illinois State grabbed four first-place votes, while the Panthers secured six. Loyola Chicago garnered 77 points and Bradley finished closely behind the Ramblers with 71 points.