CARMEL, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) unveiled its 2025 Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll on Tuesday, with Mount St. Joseph University earning the number two spot.
The Lions collected 71 points and one first-place vote, placing just behind Transylvania University, which tallied 81 points and nine first-place votes. The Pioneers enter the season as the six-time defending HCAC champions, most recently capturing the 2024 league title. Manchester University (60 points) and Hanover College (58 points) rounded out the top four.
The Mount looks to build on its success from last fall, returning a strong mix of leadership and young talent. Emma Sicking (OH), an All-HCAC honoree in 2024, returns as a key leader for the Lions after another standout season.
The Lions also feature three players named to the HCAC "Players to Watch" list for 2025:
· Hannah Graves, junior, (OH) - Third on team in kills and second in digs in 2024
· Sydney Doty, sophomore, (MH) - sophomore middle led Lions in blocks as a freshman
· Aubrey Miranda, sophomore, (RSH) - Sophomore right side was second on team in kills as a freshman
Head Coach John Spinney, along with Assistant Coach Elyse Bauman, will guide the Lions into the 2025 season as they look to contend for the HCAC crown. MSJ opens the year on August 29th in Sandusky, Ohio before returning home to the Mount on September 9th for their home opener against Wittenberg.
2025 HCAC VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
(#) Denotes First Place Votes
| 1. |
Transylvania University (9) |
81 |
| 2. |
Mount St. Joseph University (1) |
71 |
| 3. |
Manchester University |
60 |
| 4. |
Hanover College |
58 |
| 5. |
Earlham College |
48 |
| 6. |
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
40 |
| 7. |
Anderson University |
33 |
| 8. |
Franklin College |
27 |
| 9. |
Bluffton University |
19 |
| 10. |
Berea College |
13 |
