BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The Mississippi College volleyball team garnered a first-place vote and ranked fourth in the Gulf South Conference Volleyball Coaches' Preseason Poll as announced by the conference office on Thursday, Aug. 15.
 
MC, which punched its ticket to the GSC Tournament last season – the fourth straight for the program, finished one point back of Valdosta State University and the third spot in the poll. The program picked up one of the 11 first-place votes as defending champion; the University of West Florida took the top honor and grabbed nine of the votes while the University of Alabama in Huntsville sat second with the remaining first-place nod.
 
The preseason release did not end there with the Blue and Gold as two-time All-GSC performer, Lydia Paulette earned a preseason all-conference team nod. Paulette, one of nine selected to this season's team, led the team in kills (407), service aces (41) and points (467.0) last season. She finished third on the team in total blocks (33); fourth in digs (189) and fifth in assists (24) on her way to first team, all-conference accolades. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native ranks second in program history in kills (935), in points (1100.0) and seventh in service aces (92) as she enters her senior campaign.
 
The conference provided its newcomer watch list in the preseason release and a trio of Choctaws picked up recognition off first-year head coach Bentley Odom's squad.
 
Ava Antonaros is a local product as she played at Jackson Academy for former Choctaw Melissa Denson. She was a 2023 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention and earned 2023 AVCA All-Region honors during her time with the Lady Raiders.
 
Samarin Kipple began her collegiate career at Birmingham Southern College, where she appeared in 88 sets for the Panthers, playing in 27 matches. She recorded 187 digs and 23 assists for BSC with a 19-dig performance against Hendrix. Prior to her time in the Magic City, she prepped at East Surry High School, where she was a three-time all-conference player, tournament MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
 
Reese Regner, like Antonaros, is one of three freshmen on the squad this season. The Collierville, Tenn., native prepped at St. George's Independent School for Sami Hartsoe and was a three-time all-region and all-district selection during her high-school career in the Volunteer State.
 
Mississippi College opens its 2024 campaign on Sept. 6 as it travels to Arkadelphia, Ark., for the four matches in the Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University hosted Reddie-Tiger Invitational.