BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Southeast Missouri volleyball has been picked to finish first in the 2024 Ohio Valley Conference preseason rankings, the league announced Thursday.
The Redhawks, who were picked to finish first by the league's coaches & communicators, received six first place votes and 167 points. Eastern Illinois (166) and Morehead State (163) were just behind with five first place votes each.
Tennessee Tech (4), Lindenwood (1), and SIUE (1) also received first place votes. The Golden Eagles (152) are projected to finish fourth with the Lions (145) right behind them in fifth.
Southern Indiana (97), UT Martin (84), SIUE (83), Western Illinois (74), Little Rock (51), and Tennessee State (29) round out the final six spots in the preseason rankings.
Freshman
Lucy Arndt was selected to the 2024 Preseason All-OVC Team after her 2023 campaign. The sophomore from Freeport, Ill. ranks third all-time in SEMO volleyball history in single season kills after registering 346 a season ago.
Transfer rightside hitter
Abby Johnson landed on the 2024 OVC Players to Watch list ahead of her first season in Cape Girardeau. The 6-5 transfer from Bradley University will look to add a physical presence on the court for the Redhawks in 2024.
SEMO Volleyball will begin the 2024 campaign on Friday, August 30, when they take on Arkansas State in the Arkansas State Tournament. First serve is slated for 1 p.m., CT. in Jonesboro, Ark.
2024 Preseason All-OVC Team
Lucy Arndt, Southeast Missouri
Keyana Cruse, Western Illinois
M.E. Hargan, Morehead State
Madolyn Isringhausen, Tennessee Tech
Jordan Karlen, Tennessee Tech
Catalina Rochaix, Eastern Illinois
Jessie Seidel, Lindenwood
Nyah Wilson, Lindenwood
Irene Wogenstahl, Morehead State
2024 OVC Players to Watch
Kaitlyn Flynn, Eastern Illinois
Allie Otten, Lindenwood
Bella Cherry, Soph, Little Rock
Peighton Isley, Morehead State
Sydney Hummert, SIUE
Abby Johnson, Southeast Missouri
Bianca Anderson, Southern Indiana
Sagaia Reilly, Tennessee State
Mallory Jenkins, Tennessee Tech
Dylan Mott, UT Martin
Maggie Craker, Western Illinois
