BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Augustana volleyball has been tabbed to finish seventh in this year's NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll with 109 votes. Concordia-St. Paul was picked first with 190 votes. 
 
The Vikings return 13 student-athletes from last year's roster and welcomes four newcomers to this year's team. In addition, Jennifer Jacobs returns for her seventh season. 
 
"We are going to look a little different this year than we have in the past couple of years," said Augustana volleyball head coach Jennifer Jacobs. "While we graduated some major point makers, we have a slew of players ready to take their game to the court. 
 
"While many may think we are young, the players are ready to step in and take on the primary roles that have been training in our gym for years now. I'm excited to see how our team embraces the new look and feel, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the maturity and demeanor this group will bring."
 
Amongst the 13 returning players, Erika Bute returns for her fifth season as the Vikings player to watch. 
 
Bute, a Alden, Minnesota, native returns to Augustana as the hailing 2022 NSIC Libero of the Year. Last season, Bute was named to the D2CCA All-Region Second Team while also being tabbed the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week four times. She enters this season after leading the NSIC in total digs and digs per set for eight consecutive weeks and while recording a career-best 44 digs in a single match.  
 
"Erika has been a staple in our passing and offensive game the past four years," said Augustana volleyball head coach Jennifer Jacobs. "She is an incredibly smart athlete who is light on her feet and commands the court. Off the court, she is an exceptional human being.
 
"Erika is vice president of Augustana Athletics SAAC and played an integral role in putting on our Ole Awards, our department-wide celebration at the end of the year. She is one of those people and players who is irreplaceable, and we are excited she has decided to stay for this season!"
 
Augustana opens the 2023 season at the Oredigger Volleyball Classic in Golden, Colorado. The Vikings take the court for the first time this season on Friday, September 1 at 11 a.m.against Findlay. 

NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll
Concordia St.-Paul (8)            190
Wayne State (7)                      189
Minnesota Duluth                    165
St. Cloud State                       154
Southwest Minnesota State   142
Sioux Falls                              130
Augustana                              109
Northern State                        108
Winona State                          99
Minnesota State                      85
MSU Moorhead                      64
Bemidji State                          49
UMary                                     47
Minnesota Crookston             28
Minot State                             16