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The preseason expectations remain just as high for Penn State – even with a new-look starting lineup.
The Nittany Lions received every first-place vote to earn the top spot in the EIVA Preseason Coaches Poll that was released Wednesday.
Penn State went undefeated in conference play last season but will have to replace four starters for the 2025 season. Among the starters returning, though, returning for the defending EIVA champions include All-American libero Ryan Merk and setter Michael Schwob.
The No. 2 spot and the No. 5 spot in the preseason poll were separated by eight points.
NJIT finished in second place with 34 points – 15 fewer votes than Penn State. George Mason earned 32 points to end in third place, Princeton and Harvard each received more than 25 points to round out the top five.
The EIVA regular season will begin in February and conclude with the conference tournament in April. The winner of the EIVA Tournament will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2025 EIVA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Penn State – 49 (7) points
2. NJIT – 34 points
3. George Mason – 32 points
4. Princeton – 27 points
5. Harvard – 26 points
T-6. Charleston – 14 points
T-6. Sacred Heart – 14 points
EIVA Players to Watch
Setter: Austin Buchanan, Sacred Heart
Setter: Michael Schwob, Penn State
Setter: Paul Stommel, Charleston
Setter: Henry Wedbush, Princeton
Opposite: Owen Fanning, Harvard
Opposite: Jackson Herbert, George Mason
Opposite: Nyherowo Omene, Princeton
Outside attacker: Antonio Feliciano, NJIT
Outside attacker: Liam French, George Mason
Outside attacker: Alessandro Negri, NJIT
Outside attacker: Logan Shepherd, Harvard
Middle attacker: Ken Naples, Sacred Heart
Libero: Ryan Merk, Penn State
Libero: Curtis Raines, Charleston
EIVA coaches selected two players from their own team for this list