Emory Volleyball Tabbed No. 1 In AVCA Preseason Poll

When the Emory volleyball team opens practice this morning, it takes to the  court as the team to beat in 2009 as the Eagles hold down the No. 1 spot in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Preseason Poll.  Emory totaled 595 points and received 20 of 24 first-place votes. It marks the first time in program history that is has been tabbed No. 1 since the preseason poll made its debut in 2000.

Head Coach Jenny McDowell enters her 14th season at the helm of the program with a total of 11 letterwinners, including four starters, returning from last year's club that brought home the NCAA Championship along with an overall record of 35-6.  Among the returnees are senior outside hitter Alysse Meyer, a first team All-American from 2008, and sophomore setter Natalie Schonefeld, who garnered second team All-America acclaim last year.

Holding down the No. 2 slot in the preseason rankings is Juniata College with 555 points and one first-place vote.  2008 NCAA runner-up La Verne is No. 3 with 550 points while Wisconsin-Oshkosh (521 pts.) and Washington University (495 pts.) round out the top five.

The Eagles open the 2009 campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at home against West Georgia in a 7:00 p.m. start.  

To see the AVCA Preseason Poll, click here