BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Winona State is predicted to finish fifth in 2017, receiving 171 points in the 2017 NSIC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll. Last season the Warriors finished fifth in the NSIC regular season and ranked fourth by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) in the final poll.
 
Concordia University, St. Paul was voted first for the 14^th consecutive season, receiving 218 points and ten first place votes. The top five is rounded out by Southwest Minnesota State, Minnesota Duluth, Augustana and Winona State.
 
Last season Winona State had arguably their best season in program history. For the first time in school history, the Warriors qualified for the NCAA Tournament, winning a NCAA Tournament match for the first time ever as well.

This season looks bright as six starters are set to return in 2017, including All-American setter McKenna Larsen. Also back are All-Central Region Tournament performers Taylor Goar and Danielle Rampart. Lauren Kudronowicz, a NSIC Second Team performer gives the Warriors four all-conference returners to work with in 2017.

The Warriors hit .246 last season as a team, 19^th in the nation. Winona State was third in the country in kills per set and fifth in the country in assists per set. In total the Warriors ranked in the top-50 in the nation in nine categories.

Heading into the season the Warriors have their eyes set on making a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. The 27 wins in 2016 were the second most wins in a single season. The Warriors did set a school record with a .818 winning percentage. The six seniors on the Winona State roster give the Warriors depth and experience. There is also a group of young talent and newcomers that will add to the strong core that is returning, looking to build on the historic 2017 season.
 
Winona State opens the season on September 1 in Irvine, California. The Warriors will play four matches in Irvine before heading to the Indianapolis the following weekend.