GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Shorter Volleyball team was picked to finish sixth in the Conference Carolinas preseason poll, as announced by the league on Thursday.
 

Shorter is coming off a successful 2025 season in which the Hawks went 16-14 overall and 12-8 in conference play. The Hawks went on a tear midway through the season, going 12-1 during the month of October. Shorter earned its second straight appearance in the Conference Carolinas Tournament, advancing to the second round.
 

The Hawks received 148 points in the preseason poll, finishing just ahead of Mount Olive (138) and Southern Wesleyan (122). Defending conference champion Emmanuel claimed the top spot with 216 points and 10 first-place votes, while Francis Marion followed closely behind with 215 points and six first-place votes.
 

Victoria Sparks, Caitlyn Sutton and Alexis Williams were named Players to Watch by the conference.
 

Sparks will look to build on a strong junior campaign in which she led the team in kills (335), kills per set (3.05) and points (372.0). Sparks has been a focal point of the Hawks' offense and will look to take another step forward during her senior season.
 

Sutton made an immediate impact during her freshman season, recording 235 digs and 12 service aces while appearing in all 30 matches.
 

Williams will look to make an impact during her senior season after appearing in 16 matches and recording 34 kills and 24.0 blocks last year. Williams will help anchor the Hawks' defense and is expected to be a key contributor on the front line.
 

The Hawks will open the season on the road at the Trevecca Nazarene Invitational on August 28.
 

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