University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Move up in the Rankings
10/5/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
The University of Minnesota volleyball program is moving up the ranks after two wins over Northwestern and Illinois last week.
In the first NCAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) ranks, the Golden Gophers hold the 10th best in the nation. The RPI is one of the tools used by the NCAA Selection Committee to evaluate teams for the post season. In the top 10 alone, four hail from the Big Ten Conference in Nebraska (4), Penn State (6), Ohio State (8) and the Gophers. Along with Big Ten teams ranked high in the RPI, Minnesota also competed against Stanford (7), Louisville (15) and North Carolina (39) in the non-conference season.
Minnesota jumped from No. 16 to No. 11 in the recent American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. Southern California has taken over the No. 1 spot, followed by Texas (2), Penn State (3) and Nebraska (4). Also ranked in the top 25 are Big Ten foes Ohio State (10), Illinois (13), Wisconsin (16), Purdue (19) and Michigan (24). Michigan State is also receiving votes.
The Gophers travel to Maryland and Rutgers this weekend. Minnesota plays the Terrapins on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. tilt against the Scarlet Knights on Sunday.
