Southern Illinoise University Athletics
News | MVC Volleyball Preseason Poll Released, Salukis Picked Eighth
08/24/2026 | 3:49:00 | Women's Volleyball
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Saluki Women's Volleyball squad was picked eighth in the annual Missouri Valley Conference coaches' preseason poll, the conference announced Monday. Leading the conference with 119 total points and 9 of 11 first-place votes was Northern Iowa, who is coming off four straight conference regular-season and conference tournament titles. In second place were the Drake Bulldogs, receiving 96 points and one first-place vote. Rounding out the top three was Valparaiso with 88 points. The final first-place vote went to UIC, who tied Belmont for fourth with 83 points.
The Salukis are coming off a 13-17 record and going 7-9 in Missouri Valley play in Head Coach Brittany Harry's first year.
Southern Illinois is led by two returning seniors: Ella Swansiger and Jillian Shaneyfelt. Swansiger set career highs in her junior season with the Salukis, recording 20 kills at Bradley on October 17, 2025 and two career-highs at Murray State with 7 blocks and 5 digs on September 26, 2025. Shaneyfelt is coming off a season to remember. The defensive specialist/libero earned MVC Defensive Player of the Week honors for on October 20, 2025 after recording 45 digs in two matches, recording 28 at Bradley on October 17 and 17 at Illinois State on October 18. She also led Southern in digs with 484 on the season. That mark was fourth overall in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Salukis welcome 13 fresh faces to the 2026 roster, and the team is filled with optimism. Coach Brittany Harry says, "Preseason polls are just that: preseason. We are a competitive group and we definitely want to win more but at the same time we are fully investing in the process that will get us to that point. So, if anything, this poll gives us even more motivation to trust in that process."
The Dawgs open up regular season play on Friday, August 28th at 2PM as they take on the UL Monroe Warhawks in the East Texas A&M Lion Invitational.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X (@SIU_Volleyball), Instagram (@SIU_Volleyball) and Facebook (SalukiVolleyball). Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
The Salukis are coming off a 13-17 record and going 7-9 in Missouri Valley play in Head Coach Brittany Harry's first year.
Southern Illinois is led by two returning seniors: Ella Swansiger and Jillian Shaneyfelt. Swansiger set career highs in her junior season with the Salukis, recording 20 kills at Bradley on October 17, 2025 and two career-highs at Murray State with 7 blocks and 5 digs on September 26, 2025. Shaneyfelt is coming off a season to remember. The defensive specialist/libero earned MVC Defensive Player of the Week honors for on October 20, 2025 after recording 45 digs in two matches, recording 28 at Bradley on October 17 and 17 at Illinois State on October 18. She also led Southern in digs with 484 on the season. That mark was fourth overall in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Salukis welcome 13 fresh faces to the 2026 roster, and the team is filled with optimism. Coach Brittany Harry says, "Preseason polls are just that: preseason. We are a competitive group and we definitely want to win more but at the same time we are fully investing in the process that will get us to that point. So, if anything, this poll gives us even more motivation to trust in that process."
The Dawgs open up regular season play on Friday, August 28th at 2PM as they take on the UL Monroe Warhawks in the East Texas A&M Lion Invitational.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on X (@SIU_Volleyball), Instagram (@SIU_Volleyball) and Facebook (SalukiVolleyball). Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Players Mentioned
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
OP
/ Women's VolleyballMonday, August 24
Friday, August 21
Wednesday, August 19
Monday, August 17