BYU Tops 2021 MPSF Volleyball Coaches' Poll
Photo: BYU's Davide Gardini (Courtesy BYU Athletics)
2021 MPSF Men's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll (PDF)
BYU TOPS 2021 MPSF MEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACHES’ POLL
BYU claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2021 MPSF Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll for the fifth time in the past six years, collecting the maximum totals of 36 points and six first-place votes. The Cougars won 17 of their 18 matches, including all six in conference play, before COVID-19 shut down the 2020 season. They return 14 players, led by Gabi Garcia Fernandez, the 2020 AVCA National and MPSF Player of the Year. The senior opposite hitter led the NCAA last year in points per set (5.56) and aces per set (.918). AVCA All-Americans Davide Gardini (outside hitter) and Wil Stanley (setter) are also back. The offense run by Stanley ranked second in the nation with a .358 hitting percentage.
Pepperdine picked up the remaining first-place vote along with 27 points, good for second-place. The Waves welcome back over 99 percent of the last year’s team kill totals. Outside hitter Noah Dyer and middle blocker Austin Wilmot are returning All-Americans, while setter Joe Karlous made the MPSF All-Freshman team.
UCLA placed third in the poll with 25 points. Back is opposite Cole Ketrzyinski (3.00 k/s) and outside hitter Austin Matautia, both all-conference selections.
Grand Canyon was picked for a middle-of-the-pack finish with 24 points. The ‘Lopes were in second-place in mid-March before the shutdown. AVCA All-American and MPSF Freshman of the Year Camden Gianni returns on the outside, as does all-conference honoree Christian Janke.
Concordia placed fifth in the poll with 17 points. All-Americans Ray Barsemian (OH) and Addison Enriques (L) return, as does All-MPSF outside hitter Jordan Hoppe.
Stanford (10) and USC (8) rounded out the 2021 MPSF Coaches’ Poll. Jaylen Jasper (Opp.) and Kyler Presho (MB) are key returning all-conference players for the Cardinal. Meanwhile,18 of the 20 players who saw action in 2020 return for the Trojans. Kyle Gear has started much of the past three seasons at middle blocker or opposite, and has a .335 career hitting percentage.
First serve to the 2021 season is slated for January 29. Each team is scheduled to play 18 regular season MPSF matches, with no non-conference dates. Details regarding the postseason MPSF Championship Tournament will be announced at a later date.