GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – Coming off a strong 2016 campaign as the league runner-up in both the Horizon League regular season and conference tournament, the Green Bay volleyball team was voted second in the 2017 Horizon League Preseason Poll, the league announced on Monday.

Defending league champion Cleveland State was tabbed the preseason favorite, receiving four first-place votes and 81 total points. Green Bay was second with three first-place votes and 79 total points, finishing two points behind the Vikings.

The 2017 season will come with high expectations and goals, as confirmed in the preseason poll. For a full outlook on what should be an exciting season for the Phoenix, check out our full preview here.

Oakland (63) garnered one first-place vote and edged out Milwaukee (60) for third place in the poll. The Golden Grizzlies finished fourth in the regular season last year and return First-Team All-League selection Sammy Condon and All-Freshman Team member setter Jordan Lentz. The Panthers secured the fifth seed in the 2016 Tournament and return three All-Freshman Team representatives, including First-Team All-League and Co-Freshman of the Year honoree Bridget Wallenberger.

Northern Kentucky (52) finished fifth in the poll ahead of league newcomer IUPUI (41). UIC recorded 31 points to edge Wright State (30) for seventh place, while Youngstown State rounded out the poll.

The regular season begins on Friday, August 25 and the 2017 Horizon League Championship will be held on November 17-19 at the home court of the highest seed that meets facility requirements. The top six seeds will compete for the title.

Green Bay opens play in Charleston, Ill., this weekend, facing Eastern Illinois (Fri.), Bradley (Sat.) and Memphis (Sat.) at the EIU Panther Classic sponsored by Comfort Suites. 

2017 Horizon League Volleyball Preseason Poll

Team Pts. (1st)

1.             Cleveland State (4) 81

2.            Green Bay (3)        79

3.             Oakland (1)            63

4.             Milwaukee              60

5.             Northern Kentucky 52

6.             IUPUI                   41

7.             UIC (1)                  31

8.             Wright State          30

9.             Youngstown State  12

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