Volleyball earns highest preseason prediction since 2010
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson College women's volleyball team has been picked fourth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released on Thursday.
The Storm received 38 points in the poll, marking their highest placement since 2010 when Simpson was predicted to finish third. Under the guidance of fifth-year head coach KK Palea, the Storm have secured a top-four finish in the league standings for the past three seasons and look poised to continue that upward momentum with the return of six starters and the addition of 19 newcomers.
"We have seen tremendous growth in our players and program the past four seasons," said Palea. "Our goal is to continue to push ourselves to higher limits as our conference is always tough and we want to be at the top! We are excited for the upcoming season and we are determined to work our goals into reality."
The Storm take the floor for the first time on Friday, Aug. 30 in Grinnell. Simpson is set to face Saint Mary's at 6 p.m. followed by Wis.-Platteville at 8 p.m.
2023 IN REVIEW
- The Storm went 10-21 overall, making it to the A-R-C semifinals for the first time since 2010.
- Simpson recorded a 4-4 record in A-R-C play to secure fourth place in the conference, two spots above the team's 2023 preseason prediction.
- Returning sophomore Emily Williams was named first team all-conference, while returning junior Peyton Mitchell was named honorable mention along with graduate Iman Ghalibaf.
- The Storm placed second in the conference for blocks per set (1.67) and third in aces per set (2.05).
KEY RETURNERS (2023 STATS)
Emily Williams, sophomore outside hitter (289 kills, 156 digs, 48 blocks, 17 aces)
Peyton Mitchell, junior middle blocker (146 kills, 72 blocks, 42 aces)
Jada Schmidt, sophomore outside/right side hitter (227 kills, 122 digs, 20 blocks)
Lauren Roman, senior middle blocker (145 kills, 72 blocks, 42 digs)
Morgan DenBeste, junior setter (577 assists, 188 digs, 30 aces, 23 blocks)
Kylie McVey, senior defensive specialist (185 digs, 21 assists, 19 aces)
2024 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
Coe College (21-12, 6-2 A-R-C) - 62 points
Nebraska Wesleyan University (21-8, 7-1 A-R-C) - 55 points
University of Dubuque (22-9, 8-0 A-R-C) - 52 points
Simpson College (10-21, 4-4 A-R-C) - 38 points
Wartburg College (11-19, 3-5 A-R-C) - 34 points
Central College (22-10, 4-4 A-R-C) - 31 points
Loras College (13-17, 3-5 A-R-C) - 27 points
Luther College (9-21, 1-7 A-R-C) - 14 points
Buena Vista University (6-18, 0-8 A-R-C) - 11 points
