BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Winning 11 of its last 12 matches, the WKU volleyball team continues to have a strong hold in the national polls, coming in at No. 34 in the American Volleyball Coaches Associated (AVCA) and No. 38 in the NCAA RPI, both organizations released on Monday.
It's the third-straight week and fourth time this season that WKU is listed as receiving votes in the AVCA national poll, as the Lady Toppers carry a 22-5 record and 10-1 in Conference USA play. WKU has either received votes or ranked in the AVCA top 25 at least one time over each of the last four seasons. WKU's highest ranking came in 2013 at No. 16 while the team spent 14-consecutive weeks in the top 25 over the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
The Lady Toppers moved up three spots in the NCAA RPI after last weekend's results to No. 38, the highest of all C-USA schools. Cal State Northridge continues to be WKU's highest-ranked opponent in the ranking, now standing at No. 32. WKU's best win is over No. 34 Purdue, who is No. 13 in the AVCA poll. Overall, WKU is 2-2 against the top 50 while the team's five losses come to opponents ranked in the top 90.
In the national stats, WKU continues its trend of ranking high, as the Lady Toppers are one of three teams (Colorado State, Liberty) in the nation with 22 wins, the most in Division I. The team's win-loss percentage is 24th, tied with Liberty at .815. In team statistics, WKU is 14th in hitting percentage with a .280 clip, as WKU has finished the past four seasons ranked in the top 10. The squad is also ranked in the top 40 in kills per set (34), assists per set (35) and blocks per set (39).
The Lady Toppers are on the road the next two weekends, first hitting UAB on Friday, Oct. 31 with a 7 p.m. CT first serve. The following weekend will be a longer road trip, as the team goes to Southern Miss on Friday, Nov. 7 before heading to Marshall on Sunday, Nov. 9.
The 2014 WKU volleyball season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season, the Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student-athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For all the latest news and information on WKU volleyball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program on Twitter via @TravisHudsonWKU and @WKUVolleyball.
