Volleyball Listed in AVCA Preseason Poll
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Miami volleyballteam is receiving votes in the Preseason AVCA Division I Coaches Poll, asreleased on Monday. The Hurricanes are listed No. 37 overall and in the “othersreceiving votes and appearing on two or more ballots” category.
UM iscoming off a 26-5 record in 2011 that included a 16-4 mark and second-placefinish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hurricanes qualified for the NCAATournament for the third-straight season and advanced to the second round afterdefeating Northern Illinois in Ames, Iowa.
The 2012roster returns 10 letterwinners and four starters. Junior right side AlexJohnson led the returners with 290 kills last year, while sophomore Emani Simsracked up 105 blocks at middle blocker. Junior libero Ryan Shaffer collected484 digs to lead the defense.
Headcoach Nicole Lantage Welch, who is entering her 12th season at thehelm, and her coaching staff brought in five newcomers to round off the rosterin a recruiting class that was ranked No. 27 in the nation according to PrepVolleyball.com.
The teamis in the midst of preseason practice with the season set to open with theHurricane Invitational from Aug. 24-25 at the Knight Sports Complex. Teams scheduled to compete in the tournament that weekend includeWofford, Ole Miss, Rutgers and Samford.The program will hold the Orange and Green Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2p.m. prior to the BankUnited CanesFest.
Inpreparation for the 2012 season, the University of Miami will be hosting itsannual BankUnitedCanesFest on Sat., Aug. 18, from 4-7 p.m. at the BankUnited Center on theUM campus. Fans in attendance will have the chance to pick up the new 2012Miami Football poster, receive autographs from Hurricane players and coaches,purchase season tickets, and much more.
Click hereto view the full AVCA Preseason Poll.
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