RIPON, Wisconsin – The Ripon College volleyball program was selected to finish sixth in the preseason Midwest Conference coaches poll as announced by the league on Wednesday morning, two days before the season opener.
 
Cornell College was picked to win the league after taking home the last three MWC Tournament championships. The Rams also advanced to the regional semifinals of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, hosting one of the country's eight regionals in the process.
 
The full poll is listed below.
 
Ripon went 10-19 last season and finished 3-5 in MWC play. Seven freshmen and one junior transfer join the team this season as head coach Katie Astrauskas returns 10 players from last season's team.
 
Ripon opens the 2024 season at home, hosting the annual Ripon College Classic on Friday and Saturday, August 30-31.  The Red Hawks open the tournament against Mount Mary on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.
 
2024 Midwest Conference Preseason Poll
 
1. Cornell College (8 first-place votes) - 64 points
2. Illinois College (1) - 54 points
3. Grinnell College - 49 points
4. Lake Forest College - 44 points
5. Monmouth College - 36 points
6. Ripon College - 28 points
7. Lawrence University - 23 points
T8. Beloit College - 13 points
T8. Knox College - 13 points
 
FOLLOW: Follow Ripon College Red Hawks Athletics on Facebook and @RiponRedHawks on Twitter for immediate updates, results and more. Go to riponredhawks.com for all information, releases and schedules.