Emory Ranked No. 3 In AVCA Preason Poll

When the Emory volleyball squad opened practice on Thursday morning, it took to the  court as the No. 3-ranked team in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Preseason Poll.  It marks the sixth straight year that the Eagles have been ranked fifth or better in the preseason rankings and the third consecutive campaign that they have been tabbed for third or higher. 

Head Coach Jenny McDowell enters her 15th season at the helm of the program with a total of 14 letterwinners, including four starters, back in the fold from last year’s club that fashioned an overall won-lost ledger of 34-6 that included a third University Athletic Association championship in five years.  Among the returnees are AVCA First Team All-Americans Natalie Schonefeld at the setter position and outside hitter Jessica McAlvany.

Emory totaled 532 points in the poll and trailed only defending NCAA Division III titlist and UAA foe Washington University’s No. 1 mark of 600 points and No. 2 Juniata College’s 574 points.  The UAA had three representatives in the poll with New York University holding down the No. 21 spot.

The Eagles open the 2010 campaign on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Berry College in a 7:00 p.m. start.