The Flying Dutch have been picked to finish second behind defending NCAA Division III national champion Calvin in this season's MIAA volleyball race. The Knights, who shared the MIAA championship with Hope last fall before going on to win the national championship, received eight of a possible nine first-place votes in the first-ever MIAA preseason volleyball coaches poll.

The Flying Dutch have been picked to finish second behind defending NCAA Division III national champion Calvin in this season's MIAA volleyball race. The Knights, who shared the MIAA championship with Hope last fall before going on to win the national championship, received eight of a possible nine first-place votes in the first-ever MIAA preseason volleyball coaches poll.

Coach Becky Schmidt's Flying Dutch, who received the other first place vote, were picked to finish second followed by Alma, Kalamazoo, Olivet, Trine, Adrian, Saint Mary's and Albion.

Poll Results (first-place votes in parenthesis): 1. Calvin (8) 8 pts. 2. Hope (1) 16. 3. Alma 24. 4. Kalamazoo 30. 5. Olivet 38. 6. Trine 39. 7. Adrian 50. 8. Saint Mary's 55. 9. Albion 64.

MIAA teams will begin non-conference action Friday, Sept. 2, with the first conference matches set for Tuesday, Sept. 6.