Posted: Aug 17, 2023
Simpson tabbed sixth in A-R-C preseason coaches poll
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Simpson College women's volleyball team has been picked sixth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released on Thursday afternoon.
"We are excited for this upcoming season," said fourth-year head coach Kekailoa Palea. "We have a lot of new faces in the gym and our culture continues to head in the right direction. We look to continue to build on our progress in hopes to compete for the top of the conference. Our conference as a whole continues to get stronger, and we look forward to the challenge."
2022 IN REVIEW
- The Storm went 13-12 overall, recording the most wins since 2014 and the first winning season since 2013.
- Simpson achieved a 4-4 record against A-R-C opponents to tie for fourth place in the conference.
- Graduates Jessica Jacobs and Marissa Salber were named first team all-conference, while returning senior Iman Ghalibaf was an honorable mention pick for the second year in a row.
- The Storm led the league with 430 kills during A-R-C play and ranked top 3 in the conference in overall points per set (14.9), aces per set (2.02), total aces (190) and opponent hitting percentage (.147).
KEY RETURNERS (2022 STATS)
- Iman Ghalibaf, senior libero (433 digs, 85 assists, 21 aces)
- Rachel Hardwick, senior defensive specialist (162 digs, 28 aces)
- Peyton Mitchell, sophomore middle blocker (128 kills, 45 blocks, 43 digs, 28 aces)
- Courtney Paxton, junior outside hitter (87 kills, 41 digs, 20 blocks)
- Ragan Shelgren, senior setter (151 digs, 62 assists, 26 aces)
2023 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
- Coe (27-6, 8-0 A-R-C) - 64 points
- Wartburg (15-11, 7-1 A-R-C) - 50 points
- Dubuque (11-18, 4-4 A-R-C) - 43 points
- Nebraska Wesleyan (19-11, 4-4 A-R-C) - 41 points
- Buena Vista (13-12, 5-3 A-R-C) - 38 points
- Simpson (13-12, 4-4 A-R-C) - 33 points
- Loras (8-19, 2-6 A-R-C) - 26 points
- Central (10-15, 1-7 A-R-C) - 20 points
- Luther (6-20, 1-7 A-R-C) - 9 points
