The American Volleyball Coaches Association has released the first, regular season Division II Coaches Top 25 Poll and Upper Iowa is one of eight Northern Sun Conference schools in the rankings or receiving votes. The Peacocks are receiving votes for the 13th straight time including the final 11 weeks of the 2017 season.

Upper Iowa went 3-1 in their opening weekend at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Mich. After a four-set loss to No. 4 Ferris State University, then ranked No. 21, the Peacocks shutout their opponents with three straight sweeps. UIU defeated Lake Superior State University, Clarion University and Mercyhurst University. Following the final match of the invitational Malissa LeClaire and Lauren Wombles were named to the all-tournament team. LeClaire recorded 124 assists (9.5/set), 48 digs, 9 service aces and 5 blocks. Wombles knocked down 30 kills (2.3/set) and added 5 digs. For the weekend, Upper Iowa recorded 162 kills, 243 digs and 42 blocks. Winter led the team in kills with 36, but Weepie clipped her heels with 34 kills. On the backline, Holmes and Meier paced the defense with 50 and 43 digs, respectively. Lovhaug was a force at the net posting 18 blocks (1.4/set) for the Peacocks. Head Coach Aaron Nelson earned his 100th win at Upper Iowa after the victory over Lake Superior State.
 
Upper Iowa joins seven other Northern Sun Conference members in the preseason poll including the top two ranked programs in the nation; No. 1 University of Minnesota Duluth, No. 2 Concordia University, St. Paul, No. 7 Northern State University, No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State University, No. 20 Wayne State College and No. 22 Augustana University. Winona State University is also receiving votes.
 
UIU is back on the court in Indianapolis, Ind. for the UIndy Invitational this coming Labor Day Weekend. The Peacocks will line up with No. 12 Wheeling Jesuit University and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday, Aug. 31 and then take on the University of Indianapolis and Quincy University on Sept. 1.
 
Upper Iowa's home opener will be on Thursday, Sept. 6. The Peacocks will welcome the defending NCAA DII Champion and No. 2 Golden Bears of Concordia-St. Paul.