Summit League 2017 Fall Sports Predictions

The following rankings are based on predictions by the MavRadio sports staff which included Owen Godberson, DK Kellum, Harrison Popp, Stephanie Zambrano, Sam Shipman and Brandon McDermott.

Men’s Soccer

1. Omaha

2. Denver

3. Fort Wayne

4. Western Illinois

5. Oral Roberts

6. Eastern Illinois

MavRadio says: With the returning talent, the incoming new talent and Omaha hosting the Summit League tournament this year, the 2017 season looks bright for the Mavericks. Anything short of a Summit League title will be a massive disappointment for both the team and the fans. In 2016 the Mavs finished as the runner-up in the Summit League Championship. In order to accomplish their goal, Omaha will have to win on the road. Four of Omaha’s five losses in 2016 were away from Caniglia Field. Fort Wayne will have more senior leadership than any other team in the conference. Last year they set a program single season record with nine wins. The Mastodons are headed in the right direction and have the veteran leadership to challenge Denver and Omaha for the top spots in the conference.

Women’s Soccer

1. NDSU

2. Denver

3. SDSU

4. Omaha

5. Oral Roberts

6. South Dakota

7. Western Illinois

8. Fort Wayne

MavRadio says: We see Oral Roberts as a sleeper team. They are returning the most players in the conference (24) and 17 are returning freshman from the 2016 season. They were 11-9-2 overall last season, but finished 3rd in the Summit with a 5-3 record. The experience gained by the freshman should lead to the Golden Eagles taking the next step and challenging for a conference crown. The Omaha women’s soccer team struggled last season, but with first year head coach Tim Walters now at the helm, players should hit their stride. With decent attacking players, the Mavericks are a dark horse pick to make a run at the Summit League title. Transfers Erinoelle Clifton, Haley Johnson, Jaden Thiem and Susie Dineen will aim to change last year’s losing culture into a positive, winning culture.

Volleyball

1. Denver

2. NDSU

3. South Dakota

4. Oral Roberts

5. Fort Wayne

6. Omaha

7. SDSU

8. Western Illinois

MavRadio says: Denver had a great season in 2016 going 23-9 and earning a 6th seed in the NCAA tournament. After losing to Stanford in three sets, the Pioneers where able to get all their jitters out and are poised to make a run back into the tournament. Look for Denver to hit the ground running once the season starts for the top spot in the Summit. After a disappointing season last year (8-22 overall record), the UNO volleyball team has some big name opponents in 2017. Volleyball powerhouse Nebraska being the biggest volleyball name to come to Baxter Arena to date. Creighton, Iowa State and Denver also visit Baxter Arena. While the team is talented, they still have much room to grow and become a better unit. A potential upset here or there will help confidence grow on an underclassmen heavy squad. If the ball falls in the right place, the Mavericks will make the Summit League tournament.