WESTERVILLE, Ohio – After a historic season last year, the Marietta College volleyball team is set and ready to compete in 2025 in a very tough Ohio Athletic Conference. The Preseason Coaches Poll was released Monday afternoon by the league office and the Pioneers were placed second in the poll behind defending OAC Tournament Champion Otterbein University.

The Pioneers finished undefeated in the regular season standings last fall but fell to the Cardinals in the OAC Tournament finals. Marietta then, for the first time in program history, qualified for and hosted an NCAA Division III Regional. The Pioneers looked impressive in their opener, defeating St. John Fisher, but closed the season with a straight-sets defeat to Illinois Wesleyan. Marietta finished the unprecedented season 24-2 overall and 9-0 against conference opponents.

“Being ranked second in the preseason poll is a great honor, but ultimately, what truly matters is the drive and determination we bring to the court,” said Head Coach Kristy Anderson. “With key returners from last season, hungry upperclassmen ready to step up, and a few freshmen who I believe can make an immediate impact, I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together this year.”

Otterbein received six first place votes and collected 62 points on the way to receiving first place in the poll. The Pioneers received the other three first place votes to total 56 point and second place. Mount Union received 48 total points and third place in the rankings. Ohio Northern and Muskingum both collected 40 points apiece to tie for fourth place.

Baldwin Wallace (28 points) was sixth with Heidelberg (27 points) following at seventh. Wilmington sits in eighth (13 points) and Capital rounds out the poll in last place with 10 points.

Marietta opens the season on Friday (Aug. 29) when they participate in the Mount Union Invitational. They will battle Clarkson University at 4 p.m. and then follow with a matchup against Depauw University at 6 p.m. that evening. Their home opener is Sept. 16th when they welcome Denison University. The match begins at 7 p.m.