FRISCO, Texas – The HCU beach volleyball team has been picked to finish second in the Southland Conference preseason poll announced on Friday. The poll is voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors.
HCU totaled 61 points in the poll, just four behind preseason favorite Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Huskies also earned four first place votes.
The Huskies' roster features 11 returners and seven newcomers. Among the returners is last season's SLC Freshman of the Year,
Abbey Reinard. Reinard posted a record of 16-15 in her inaugural season, including a 7-6 record playing at the No. 2 spot.
HCU also had two pairs earn all-conference honors last year with all four players back for 2023.
Shelby O'Neal and
Gabi Axelrod were a first team all-SLC selection at the No. 5 position, posting a 6-2 record at that spot and going a perfect 5-0 at the SLC Championship.
Lindsay Harris and
Kristen Kleymeyer were selected third team at the No. 3 position with a 12-14 record and a 2-1 record at the conference tournament.
The Huskies finished the 2022 season with a 14-22 overall record. HCU reached the championship match at the SLC Championship tournament, falling 3-2 to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Following the Huskies in the poll were Boise State, with 52 points and three first place votes, San Jose State, New Orleans, Southeastern and Nicholls.
The Huskies are one of two SLC teams receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason top-20 poll, picking up two votes while Boise State got one.
HCU opens the 2023 season next Saturday, Feb. 25, hosting the Third Coast College Classic at Third Coast Volleyball Club. The two-day tournament features the Huskies, No. 3 TCU, UAB, Central Arkansas and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. On Saturday, Feb. 25, HCU will face UCA at 11:00 a.m. and the third-ranked Horned Frogs at 5:00 p.m. The Huskies then play UAB on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 12:00 p.m. followed by TAMUCC at 4:00 p.m.
