Loyola Picked Fourth In MIVA Preseason Poll

CHICAGO - The Loyola University Chicago men's volleyball team has been voted fourth in the 2010 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association preseason poll, the league office announced today (Dec. 16). The Ramblers rounded out the 2009 season in the same spot, finishing 5-5 in the league and 17-10 overall.

The poll, conducted by the league's coaches, saw defending champion Ohio State earn the top slot, receiving 44 points and four first-place votes. Following closely behind is Ball State, which received 43 points and the three remaining first-place votes. Lewis (35 points) took the third-place slot, followed by Loyola (31), IPFW (21), MIVA newcomer Grand Canyon (12) and Quincy (10).

Senior outside hitter Kris Berzins (Brinklow, Md.) is Loyola's lone representative on the preseason MIVA All-Conference Team after earning First Team All-Conference honors in 2009. Berzins led the team in kills (380) and digs (186) in 2009, setting career highs in both categories.

Ohio State and Ball State each have three players on the All-Conference Team, while Lewis has two and Loyola and IPFW each have one.

The Ramblers open the 2010 season on Jan. 7, hosting Windsor at Alumni Gym. The match is set to begin at 4 p.m. CT.

2010 MIVA Preseason Poll
1. Ohio State - 44 points (4 first place votes)
2. Ball State - 43 (3)
3. Lewis - 35
4. Loyola - 31
5. IPFW - 21
6. Grand Canyon - 12
7. Quincy - 10