FARMINGTON, Utah (August 17, 2023) – The Big Sky Conference office has revealed the results of its 2023 Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll, where the Bears of Northern Colorado have been selected as the favorites going into the upcoming season.
The poll is voted on by the league’s 10 head coaches.
The Bears were the regular season and tournament champions a year ago, as they went 13-3 in Big Sky play. Overall, they finished 22-9 on the season.
They claimed the Big Sky tournament title over the Portland State Vikings in five sets.
UNC received eight of the 10 available first-place votes.
The Bears are led by head coach Lyndsey Oates, who is entering her 19th season at the helm of the program.
Weber State received one first-place vote and have been projected the second-best team in the Big Sky. The Wildcats were the No. 3 seed a season ago.
Portland State, Montana State and Sacramento State round out the preseason top-five respectively.
The entire Preseason Poll can be found below.
The regular season will commence on Friday, August 25 with all 10 Big Sky teams in action.
The 2023 Big Sky Conference Volleyball Championships will be held in Greeley, CO, from November 22-24th. The top-eight teams in the conference standings after the conclusion of the regular season will comprise the championship field.
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2023 Big Sky Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Northern Colorado (8) – 80
2. Weber State (1) – 69
3. Portland State – 61
4. Montana State (1) – 53
5. Sacramento State – 51
6. Montana – 41
7. Northern Arizona - 36
8. Eastern Washington – 28
9. Idaho State – 20
10. Idaho - 11
() – Indicates Number of First-Place Votes