Romeoville, Ill. – The Lewis University men's volleyball team was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2013 Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) title, the conference announced on Tuesday (Dec. 18), in a league-wide vote of coaches.
 
“It's great to be recognized by the other teams in the league,” Lewis head men's volleyball coach Dan Friend said. “I know this year's group is excited and looks forward to the challenge.”
 
The Flyers also had a league-leading three selections on the 2013 MIVA Preseason All-Conference Team in outside hitters Jay Petty (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North) and Geoff Powell (Claremont, Calif./Claremont); and setter BJ Boldog (Palatine, Ill./Palatine).
 
“To have three guys recognized for their potential and the work they have put in only helps to put our team in a great position,” Friend said. 
 
Petty earned 2012 Volleyball Magazine All-America Second Team honors and was named to the AVCA All-America Second Team and to the All-MIVA First Team, leading the Flyers to a 26-7 record and berth in the National Semifinals. The redshirt senior led the Flyers with 421 kills, 160 digs, 35 aces and 68 total blocks in 105 sets in 2012.
 
Boldog was also named to the AVCA All-America Second Team and to the All-MIVA First Team after he compiled 1151 assists to average 10.75 assists per set, 113 digs and 92 total blocks in 107 sets last season.
 
Powell was named the 2012 MIVA Freshman of the Year and to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. The redshirt sophomore had 223 kills, 94 digs, 39 total blocks and 19 aces in 89 sets of play.  
 
Lewis opens the 2013 season at the UCSB Asics Invitational against UC San Diego on Friday (Jan. 4) at 10 AM PST, in Santa Barbara, Calif.