RIPON, Wis. - The Red Hawks are coming off a season that saw them go 13-20, including five straight losses to end the year. With a young team this season, after losing just three players, there is some optimism floating around the team as they enter a new season. Thursday, the Red Hawks were picked sixth in the Midwest Conference preseason rankings, as released by the Midwest Conference office.

In the past five seasons, Ripon has finished no worse than third in the MWC North Division, and hope that trend will continue. Seniors Ashley Redman and Ashley Schertz will be looked upon as leaders this season, while junior Miranda Starbird (211 kills, 300 digs) and sophomore Jessica Chatmon (136 kills, 59 blocks) will also be looked at to contribute.

Last year's conference champion, St. Norbert, was once again picked to finish first in the MWC. They recieved five first place votes, while Lake Forest was picked to finish second, receiving three first place votes. Monmouth and Beloit each received one first place vote apiece, as they were selected third and fourth, respectively. Illinois College rounds out the top half of the conference. Lawrence was selected one place behind the Red Hawks, while Carroll, Grinnell, and Knox finished up the poll.

Ripon's season will begin on September 1st in day one of the Ripon Invitational Tournament at Storzer Center. Their first game will begin at 4:00 against Milwaukee School of Engineering.