ST. LOUIS – The Indiana State Women's Volleyball team has been tabbed to finish eighth this season by coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference in the MVC Preseason Poll, the Valley announced Wednesday morning.
 
The Sycamores received 28 points in the preseason poll, 14 points behind projected seventh place finisher Valparaiso. Indiana State returns five starters from the end of the 2018 season.
 
Last season, the Trees went 10-20 and posted a 3-15 conference mark to finish ninth in the Valley. This season, Allman's squad returns five starters and brings in seven talented newcomers.
 
In 2018, Indiana State finished as one of the better defensive teams in the country, finishing the year ranked 52nd nationally in digs per set with 16.69. Jade York also returns after leading the team in total digs in 2018 with 479, while Melina Tedrow also returns after recording the third most total digs on the team with 260.
 
The 2019 season officially gets underway on Friday, Aug. 30 when ISU travels to the Green Bay Invitational hosted by Green Bay.
 
2019 Missouri Valley Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. Northern Iowa - 100 (10)
2. Illinois State - 89
3. Missouri State - 68
3. Bradley - 68
5. Loyola - 56
6. Drake - 54
7. Valparaiso - 42
8. Indiana State - 28
9. Southern Illinois - 23
10. Evansville - 22
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Volleyball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.