University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Ranked 12th in Preseason Poll
8/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 15, 2011
Complete poll can be found here.
The University of Minnesota volleyball program received the 12th overall ranking in the AVCA Top 25 Preseason poll, announced today by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
With the No. 12 ranking, the Gophers have now been ranked in the AVCA Top 25 for 49 straight weeks dating back to the final poll in 2007. That extends Minnesota's record-breaking streak of consecutive weeks in the top 25.
Minnesota is joined by six Big Ten teams, including three in the top 12. Penn State is ranked first with 54 first-place votes, while Nebraska is ranked fifth and Illinois is eighth overall. Following behind Minnesota's No. 12 ranking is Purdue (13), Ohio State (21) and Michigan (t-24). Receiving votes in the preseason poll is Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Northwestern.
Three teams on Minnesota's non-conference schedule were also ranked in the preseason top 25. Minnesota's first opponent, Southern California, is ranked second overall, while Texas is ranked fourth and Northern Iowa is 14th. Oregon is also receiving votes.
"We're very excited about our place in the poll, but we realize that we'll have work to do to live up to that ranking," interim head coach Laura Bush said. "It's a testament of how Gopher Volleyball has been viewed historically throughout the country and we hope we can continue that strong tradition throughout the year."
Minnesota will open its 2011 schedule against USC on Friday, August 26 at 5 p.m. CT as part of the AVCA Showcase in State College, Pa. The Gophers will host their Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m., while the Minnesota Volley School will be held on Aug. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sports Pavilion.
