DeLand, Fla. -- The Stetson volleyball team was picked to finish fifth in the 2015 Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced on Wednesday. The Hatters received 30 points in the poll.

Junior right side hitter Madison Akins (Brooks, Ga.) was voted to the preseason all-conference team.  An Atlantic Sun second team all-conference selection last season, Akins averaged 3.05 kills and 2.25 digs per set as a sophomore.  She was selected as the league's Player of the Week on October 6, and she ranked second in the conference in aces per set (0.35).

Lipscomb was projected to capture the A-Sun regular season title, earning 63 total points and seven first place votes. Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, and North Florida ranked second through fourth.  Following Stetson, Kennesaw State, USC Upstate, and NJIT rounded out the poll.

The Hatters (16-13, 7-7 in 2014) open the season on August 28 at the FAU Invitational in Boca Raton, Fla.

The home schedule begins on Sept. 11.  Single-match tickets as well as the fall sports Hat Trick Sports Pass are now on sale. Visit the Hatter Ticket Office web page for details.

Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Lipscomb 63 (7)
2. FGCU 52 (1)
3. Jacksonville 41
4. North Florida 38
5. Stetson 30
6. Kennesaw State 28
7. USC Upstate 20
8. NJIT 16