Defending State B champion Warner is the top-rated squad in the first volleyball poll of the season.

The Monarchs received all 12 first place votes. Northwestern is fourth, Wolsey-Wessington fifth, and Faulkton is receiving votes.

Hamlin is receiving votes in Class A.

Defending state champs O’Gorman (Class AA) and Sioux Falls Christian (Class A) top the other classes.

Here is the South Dakota Media Preseason Volleyball Poll, as chosen by members of the South Dakota sports media. Teams are listed with first place votes in parentheses, 2021 record, points and final 2021 ranking.

CLASS AA

1. O’Gorman (12)             23-4       64           2

2. S.F. Washington (1)    30-2       52           1

3. Brandon Valley             23-11     31           3

4. Harrisburg      20-11     22           RV

5. S.F. Jefferson 13-16     11           NR

Receiving votes: S.F. Roosevelt (22-10) 8, Pierre (16-8) 3, S.F. Lincoln (21-12) 3, R.C. Stevens (16-18) 1

CLASS A

1. S.F. Christian (12)        35-4       64           1

2. Dakota Valley (1)         28-9       51           2

3. Wagner           28-8       22           RV

4. Garretson      29-2       19           3

5. R.C. Christian 25-10     16           5

Receiving votes: Platte-Geddes (34-5) 8, Elkton-Lake Benton (24-12) 8, Hamlin (27-8) 4, Madison (18-9) 2, Hill City (27-9) 1

CLASS B

1. Warner (12)   33-5       64           2

2. Colman-Egan 27-8       33           NR

3. Chester Area 28-6       29           RV

4. Northwestern              28-6       21           3

5. Wolsey-Wessington   27-5       18           5

Receiving votes: Burke (29-11) 16, Bridgewater-Emery (1 first place vote, 28-1) 5, Faulkton Area (27-8) 3, Arlington (31-7) 2