BLOG 2: Ferris tabbed third in the North Division of GLIAC poll

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – It’s no big secret the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference traditionally is one of the toughest NCAA Division II leagues in the nation in a number of sports.

This season is not expected to be any different as Ferris State University seeks to contend for a league championship coming out of the North Division. The Bulldogs were picked third (tied with Michigan Tech) in the division, with 16 points. Grand Valley State was finish on top with 24 points and four of six first-place votes. Northern Michigan finished second with two first-place votes and 18 points total.

The message is fairly clear for the Bulldogs: Expect a fight in the battle to defy the projections and finish atop the North Division. It will be no easy task as the North is home to a Grand Valley State program that won the 2007 North Division regular-season title and the GLIAC Tournament championship. In addition to being projected to do well in the league, the Lakers also are strong nationally as GVSU enjoys a strong preseason ranking. Northern also has been a thorn in the side of the Bulldogs in recent seasons as Ferris will seek to break through against the top two teams and hold off challenges from improving Michigan Tech and Saginaw Valley State programs.

One interesting change this season is Northwood has moved from the North Division to the South Division. Geographically, it is a bit of an interesting change. But that change, along with the addition of league newcomer Tiffin, means there will be six volleyball teams in each of the two divisions. That makes sense.

Hillsdale was narrowly picked to win the South Division with 23 points as it split the six first-place votes with Ashland. The Eagles were placed second with 22 points. Northwood is third with 17 points in what should be a tough South Division fight as well.

The conference tournament begins on Nov. 12 with first-round contests at campus sites. The semifinals and finals will be played Nov. 15-16 at the campus site of the highest-seeded team left in the event.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com