LOCK HAVEN, Pa. --- The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced their 2025 preseason volleyball coaches' poll on Thursday. Clarion was predicted to finish third in the PSAC West division, behind Gannon (four first place votes) and IUP (three first place votes).
 
The Golden Eagles return just a handful of starters from the 2024 season, and a mix of incoming athletes will look to step up and provide impact in their first years in the Blue & Gold. Among the starters returning is starting libero Haley Fledderjohann, who had a strong debut in her first season as the starter in 2024. Fledderjohann averaged 4.28 digs per set as a junior. Also returning on the back line is Lauren Fjerstad, who averaged 2.70 digs per set and recorded a team-best .951 reception percentage as a freshman.
 
Clarion does return some size on the front line, with junior middle Finley Kearney one of just two players to start every match a year ago. Kearney ranked second on the team with an 0.78 blocks per set average last year. Meanwhile, right side hitter Emily Klopp is back in the fold after logging 175 kills and 69 blocks last year. Sophomore setter Marisa Markou also returns in 2025; after taking the reins at the position last year, she averaged 7.12 assists per set.
 
The 2025 season will commence with three days of action at the Tony Banner Memorial Tournament at Clarion, with the Golden Eagles facing off against Shippensburg on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Conference play kicks off on Sept. 24 when the Golden Eagles host Slippery Rock. Senior Day will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 against Pitt-Johnstown.

Eastern Division
 
1. Shepherd (4)
2. East Stroudsburg (2)
3. Shippensburg (2)
4. Bloomsburg
5. Millersville
6. West Chester
7. Lock Haven
8. Kutztown
 
Western Division
 
1. Gannon (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Clarion
4. Seton Hill (1)
5. Pitt-Johnstown
6. Edinboro
7. Slippery Rock
8. California