A league-record nine Pac-12 volleyball teams are ranked in the American Volleyball Coaches Associated (AVCA) Preseason Coaches poll, which was released on Wednesday. Nebraska returns all but one starter from last year’s team, which finished with a 23-10 record, a trip to the NCAA Regional Final for the third straight year and a No. 8 final ranking. Ohio State is slated No. 14, and Michigan State is slotted No. 19. Purdue (22-10), Minnesota (19-12) and Michigan (13-17) all receive votes.
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Since 2007, the Nittany Lions have ranked within the top three of every AVCA preseason poll, having also been voted No. 1 a total of six times (2008-11, 2014-15). That’s why even though Penn State will be starting either a freshman or redshirt freshman at setter this season, the Nittany Lions are still considered the top team.
Penn State was named No. 1 heading into the season, following an NCAA tournament championship last year, with 54 first-place votes.
In addition to six matches against Big Ten opponents ranked within the top 25, Penn State will also host No. 2 Stanford and No. 24 Colorado at home in the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge September 4-5 in Rec Hall.
The most Conference teams to be ranked in the preseason prior to today was seven (2010, 1995, 1994). Not appearing in the top-25 but receiving votes is OREGON STATE (89 points) to round out the Conference’s representation in the rankings. For season ticket information, call (402) 280-JAYS.
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WKU kicks off the season on August 28 at 2013 National Runner-Up and 2014 Elite Eight participant Wisconsin. Penn State opens the tournament by taking on Buffalo on Friday evening at 7 p.m.in Rec Hall.
