AVCA Preseason Top-25 Poll

DAYTON, Ohio – For the first time in program history the University of Dayton volleyball team will begin the season ranked in a preseason national poll as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) placed the Flyers at No. 21 on Monday.

Dayton is the only Atlantic 10 Conference team in the top-25, with Saint Louis receiving 18 votes. 

The proof that Dayton faces one of the toughest schedules in the country was also realized on Monday as four opponents are ranked in the top-25, including three top-10 teams -- No. 2 Nebraska, T-No. 6 Illinois, T-No. 6 Minnesota -- and No. 24 Northern Iowa.

An additional five teams on the Flyers’ schedule received votes in the AVCA poll -- Baylor, Notre Dame, Ohio, Saint Louis and Santa Clara -- to account for 10 of Dayton’s 28 matches against teams receiving votes in the AVCA Preseason Poll.

The Flyers return five players from last season’s nationally-ranked squad, including 2009 AVCA Third Team All-American Lindsey Fletemier. Dayton finished the 2009 season ranked No. 25 after winning 30 matches for the second time in three years, capturing the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament crowns, and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dayton’s peak in the AVCA Top-25 poll is No. 12, which came on the week of Oct. 15, 2007.

The Flyers open the season on Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. against Pittsburgh in the Dayton Flyer Classic held at the Frericks Center. Admission is free of charge.