Trojan Volleyball No. 19 in Preseason Poll
08.18.2009
Just one week away from their season-opening match, the Taylor University volleyball team was tabbed as the No. 19 team in the nation by the NAIA Volleyball Preseason Top 25 Coaches' Poll, the NAIA announced Tuesday.
Taylor, NAIA volleyball's all-time winningest team, closed the season at No. 25 in the rankings a year ago, but moved up six spots in the latest poll with 214 points. The Trojans, who have appeared in the Top 25 rankings for seven straight polls, climbed as high as No. 18 in the rankings last season.
Led by fifth year head coach Brittany Smith, the Trojans are coming off three straight 30-win seasons and have won back-to-back Mid-Central College Conference regular season championships.
Six seniors departed from last year's team, but seven of the team's top eight offensive threats return, along with NAIA Honorable Mention All-American setter Betsy Brown.
Facing the team's toughest schedule of Smith's tenure, eight of Taylor's opponents this season are ranked in the Top 25 of the initial poll. The highest ranked opponent on the schedule is Columbia College (Mo.) at No. 6. The Cougars will visit Upland on Oct. 30 for a 7 p.m. matchup with Taylor in the Trojan Challenge tournament.
Two-time defending national champion Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) received the No. 1 ranking in the preseason poll.
Taylor opens the season on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. as the Trojans will welcome Cedarville to Odle Arena. The Yellow Jackets were in the receiving votes section of the poll released Tuesday.