OGDEN, Utah—The Idaho volleyball team was picked to finish seventh in the 2017 Big Sky Preseason Poll conducted by the conference's coaches on Friday. 

"We did not have the season that we wanted last year," head coach Debbie Buchanan explained. "We came into the season a little injured. We are a completely different team right now. A lot of our upper classmen worked really hard this summer. I think it is going to be a fun and exciting year."

North Dakota picked up 10 first-place votes and 120 total points to claim the No. 1 spot. Northern Colorado, picked second, received two first-place votes and 103 total points. Sacramento State is slatted third with 99 points. 

Idaho finished 2016 eighth in the conference. The Vandals qualified for the conference postseason for the 12 consecutive season, dropping its opening match to host North Dakota. The team lost just one senior to graduation in libero Terra Varney and returns nine letterwinners. 

"I am ok with where we were placed," Buchanan continued. "It just gives our players a little bit of fuel to fight and win the conference and accomplish all the goals we have set."

Idaho opens the season on Aug. 25 at the Oregon State Tournament. The Silver and Gold kickoff the tournament with the host Beavers. The team closes the weekend with Kansas State and Pacific. 

The Vandals first home match is set for Sept. 21 against Montana State.

Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho volleyball by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @IdahoVolleyball.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.
 

No.	Team	Points (1st)
1	North Dakota	120 (10)
2	Northern Colorado	103 (2)
3	Sacramento State	99
4	Northern Arizona	96
5	Portland State	82
6	Idaho State	71
7	Idaho	63
8	Weber State	49
9	Eastern Washington	44
10	Montana State	24
11	Montana	21
12	Southern Utah	20