LANCASTER, PA – The Johns Hopkins volleyball team took the top spot in the Centennial Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as released by the conference this morning. Winners of the last seven conference championships, the Blue Jays claimed all 10 first-place votes with Gettysburg receiving the lone remaining first-place vote from Hopkins' staff.
 
The Blue Jays have now reached the Elite 8 in consecutive seasons and return nearly their entire roster from the 2023 team that forced a decisive fifth set with eventual NCAA Runner-Up Hope. Hopkins will be led by All-Americans Simrin Carlsen — the senior was also named the Centennial Conference Player of the Year — and Helena Swaak, with a strong mix of returning upperclassmen and incoming graduate transfers setting up the Blue Jays for another deep postseason run.
 
Hopkins finished first in the preseason poll with 100 points while Franklin & Marshall (84) took second, with Gettysburg and Swarthmore tying for third at 81 points. The Blue Jays will test themselves early with matches against two-time reigning national champions Juniata and perennial NCAA Tournament team Christopher Newport opening weekend, with conference play set to start October 5 against Ursinus.
 
2024 Centennial Conference Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll
1. Johns Hopkins (10) - 100
2. Franklin & Marshall – 84
T3. Gettysburg (1) – 81
T3. Swarthmore – 81
5. Haverford – 60
6. Muhlenberg – 51
7. Dickinson – 45
8. Ursinus – 44
9. Washington College – 26
10. McDaniel – 22
11. Bryn Mawr – 11