Aug. 13, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The University of Michigan volleyball team is ranked 23rd in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll, the organization announced today (Monday, Aug. 13). This is the fourth consecutive year that U-M has been ranked in the preseason poll.
The Wolverines, who ended last season tied for 20th in the AVCA poll, received 210 points and are one of seven Big Ten Conference teams in the preseason top 25. Defending NCAA champion UCLA earned 54 first-place votes and tops the poll. Michigan was tied for 24th in last year's preseason poll after garnering rankings of 12th in 2010 and 16th in 2009.
Michigan returns four starters and seven letterwinners from last year's team that advanced to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. The returning players include sophomore setter Lexi Dannemiller (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West), who was named to the 2011 Big Ten All-Freshman team, and fifth-year senior Claire McElheny (Westfield, Ind./Brebeuf Prep), a two-year returning starter at right side.
Michigan will hold its annual Maize and Blue scrimmage this Saturday (Aug. 18) at noon in Cliff Keen Arena. The 2012 season then begins Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25, at the Tiger Invitational in Columbia, Mo. Michigan will open against Nicholls State on Friday at 10:30 a.m. CDT.
• AVCA Preseason Poll
Contact: Kent Reichert (734) 763-4423
