Lewis Athletics
ROMEOVILLE – Lewis University’s men’s volleyball team was picked to finish second in the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) preseason coaches poll, released Tuesday (Dec. 14).
The Flyers received 49 points, including two first place votes. Loyola Chicago was picked to win the league receiving 59 points and four first place votes while Ohio State was slated to finish third with 47 points and received the final two first place votes. Ball State was selected fourth with 44 points.
Lewis had two members named to the Preseason All-MIVA Team in senior middle blocker Tyler Mitchem (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook HS)and junior setter Kevin Kauling (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley). Mitchem was also selected as the Preseason MIVA Player of the Year.
“It’s great for some of our guys to be recognized by the league with the ability to make an impact this year,” Lewis head men’s volleyball coach Dan Friend said. “I know the team is looking forward to getting started.”
Mitchem was an All-MIVA First Team selection and an AVCA All-America First Team selection a year ago. Kauling was also named to the All-MIVA First Team and was an AVCA All-America Second Team selection in 2021.
“Tyler is a phenomenal player and we are excited to have him back in the gym to help anchor our team,” Friend said.
The Flyers open their regular season schedule at home on Sunday, January 2 against UC Irvine at 7 p.m.
2022 Preseason Poll (points (first place votes))
1. Loyola Chicago 59 (4)
2. Lewis 49 (2)
3. Ohio State 47 (2)
4. Ball State 44
5. McKendree 40
6. Purdue Fort Wayne 22
7. Lindenwood 19
8. Quincy 8