Sports
Preseason Coaches Poll Ranks Ohio Volleyball Second In MAC East
By: Erick Starkey
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The Mid-American Conference released its preseason Coaches Poll Wednesday with Ohio chosen to finish second only behind Bowling Green in the MAC East Division.
Ohio received five of the 12 first place votes while Bowling Green earned seven. The 'Cats and Falcons each claimed four votes to win the MAC tournament, which is tied for the most votes.
The Bobcats have dominated the MAC East by winning seven regular season MAC titles, with their last coming in 2012. They also won four-straight conference tournaments from 2003-06. Last year, Ohio finished with a record of 21-10 while going 14-2 in the conference.
Hoping to exceed their predictions, the Bobcats are returning five starters. Leading the charge is Kelly Lamberti, who was the 2012 MAC Player of the Year. All-MAC First Team honorees Meredith Ashy and Chelsea Bilger will flank Lamberti in the campaign. Ohio hopes that its six new teammates will help contribute to the road to the championship.
The Bobcats hope to prove their first class prowess, as they face off Bowling Green on Oct. 5 and Nov. 8. They kick off their season Friday against Bryant University in the Oregon Classic.
The MAC will release the 2013 Preseason All-MAC Teams this Thursday.