Volleyball Tabbed For Fifth In WIAC Preseason Poll

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the 2023 WIAC preseason poll, it was announced on Thursday.

UW-Whitewater was chosen to repeat as champions following an undefeated 2022 season, while UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point rounded out the top three. UW-Eau Claire finished fourth just ahead of UW-Platteville, with UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, and UW-La Crosse concluded the poll.

Head Coach Samantha Birkicht will guide the program for the sixth season after leading the Pioneers to a 23-9 record last season. In WIAC play, UW-Platteville posted a 3-4 mark, including a WIAC Semifinals appearance following a 3-1 win over UW-Eau Claire in the first round of the tournament.

All-WIAC selections Kierney McDonald and Emma Carlson highlight the returning group of 14 letterwinners. McDonald was tabbed 2022 WIAC Newcomer of the Year after totaling 228 kills and pacing the conference in blocks per set at 0.93. Carlson finished fifth in the conference with 381 kills and was second on the team with 269 digs.

Alongside McDonald and Carlson, the Pioneers welcome back five other starters including seniors Camryn Johnston, Claudia Johnson, and Sam Rossetti and sophomore Bri Gartner. Johnston and Johnson provided strong offense for UW-Platteville while Rosseti returns to set after tallying 904 assists a year ago. Gartner was the primary libero last season and totaled 452 digs to lead the team.

The Pioneers open the season on Friday, September 1 with a pair of games at Colorado College. The 2023 home opener will take place Saturday, September 30 when UW-Platteville takes on Carroll (Wis.) and Macalester.

The full WIAC release can be found HERE.