The University of Akron Athletics
The Mid-American Conference Releases its 2018 Volleyball Preseason Poll
August 22 | Women's Volleyball
Follow Akron Volleyball on Facebook and Twitter
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference released its 2018 volleyball preseason poll on Wednesday, voted on by the leagues 12 head coaches.
The Zips, under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tom Hanna, return 10 players from last season's squad, while adding five newcomers.
Ohio was not only predicted to finish at the top of the Eastern Division, but to also clinch the regular season and tournament championships. Bowling Green was selected to finish second in the East followed by Buffalo, Miami, Kent State and Akron.
Ball State was pegged to win the Western Division followed by Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo.
Akron will open its season on the road Friday, facing Cal State Fullerton at 5 p.m. (ET) in the Fullerton/Riverside Classic. On Saturday, the Zips will take on Eastern Washington and Montana at 2 p.m. (ET) and 8 p.m. (ET), respectively.
Volleyball season tickets are just $40 for general admission. Discounted season tickets are available for current UA Faculty and Staff at $32. Single-game and group tickets are also now available for purchase.
Season tickets can be purchased online at GoZips.com/tickets, by calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766), or at the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2018 MAC PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL COACHES POLL
EAST Division
1. Ohio (9) - 68
2. Bowling Green (3) - 60
3. Buffalo - 45
4. Miami - 42
5. Kent State - 22
6. Akron - 15
WEST Division
1. Ball State (10) - 70
2. Western Michigan (2) - 59
3. Central Michigan - 43
4. Eastern Michigan - 30
5. Northern Illinois - 29
6. Toledo - 21
(first place votes) – points
Regular Season Champions: Ohio (8), Bowling Green (3)
Tournament Champions: Ohio (5), Miami (2), Western Michigan (2), Bowling Green (1), Ball State (1)
Preseason East All-MAC Team
Kallie Seimet, Bowling Green
Tia Jimerson, Ohio
Andrea Mitrovic, Buffalo
Vera Giacomazzi, Ohio
Lizzie Stephens, Ohio
Katie Kidwell, Bowling Green
Margaret Payne, Miami
Preseason West All-MAC Team
Meg Wolowicz, Northern Illinois
Rachel Bontorager, Western Michigan
Ellie Dunn, Ball State
Jordan Smith, Eastern Michigan
Kalina Smith, Central Michigan
Amber Seaman, Ball State
Maurissa Leonard, Toledo
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference released its 2018 volleyball preseason poll on Wednesday, voted on by the leagues 12 head coaches.
The Zips, under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tom Hanna, return 10 players from last season's squad, while adding five newcomers.
Ohio was not only predicted to finish at the top of the Eastern Division, but to also clinch the regular season and tournament championships. Bowling Green was selected to finish second in the East followed by Buffalo, Miami, Kent State and Akron.
Ball State was pegged to win the Western Division followed by Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo.
Akron will open its season on the road Friday, facing Cal State Fullerton at 5 p.m. (ET) in the Fullerton/Riverside Classic. On Saturday, the Zips will take on Eastern Washington and Montana at 2 p.m. (ET) and 8 p.m. (ET), respectively.
Volleyball season tickets are just $40 for general admission. Discounted season tickets are available for current UA Faculty and Staff at $32. Single-game and group tickets are also now available for purchase.
Season tickets can be purchased online at GoZips.com/tickets, by calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766), or at the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2018 MAC PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL COACHES POLL
EAST Division
1. Ohio (9) - 68
2. Bowling Green (3) - 60
3. Buffalo - 45
4. Miami - 42
5. Kent State - 22
6. Akron - 15
WEST Division
1. Ball State (10) - 70
2. Western Michigan (2) - 59
3. Central Michigan - 43
4. Eastern Michigan - 30
5. Northern Illinois - 29
6. Toledo - 21
(first place votes) – points
Regular Season Champions: Ohio (8), Bowling Green (3)
Tournament Champions: Ohio (5), Miami (2), Western Michigan (2), Bowling Green (1), Ball State (1)
Preseason East All-MAC Team
Kallie Seimet, Bowling Green
Tia Jimerson, Ohio
Andrea Mitrovic, Buffalo
Vera Giacomazzi, Ohio
Lizzie Stephens, Ohio
Katie Kidwell, Bowling Green
Margaret Payne, Miami
Preseason West All-MAC Team
Meg Wolowicz, Northern Illinois
Rachel Bontorager, Western Michigan
Ellie Dunn, Ball State
Jordan Smith, Eastern Michigan
Kalina Smith, Central Michigan
Amber Seaman, Ball State
Maurissa Leonard, Toledo
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich) - Mid Day Message
Wednesday, April 22
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Marty Hauser)
Wednesday, April 22
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (Dr. Tim Meyers)
Wednesday, April 22
2026 Akron Zips Day of Giving (AK-ROWDIES)
Wednesday, April 22
