LEXINGTON, Ky. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) released its Division III Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll on Tuesday and Gustavus is ranked No. 7 after reaching the NCAA quarterfinals last season and finishing with a 26-7 overall record. The Gusties were also ranked No. 7 in the final poll of 2017, which marks the highest national ranking in program history.
Defending national champion Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, who defeated the Gusties 3-1 in last year’s national quarterfinal, enters the season as the No. 1 team followed by Calvin at No. 2 and Colorado at No. 3. Gustavus is the only MIAC team ranked in the top 25.
The Gusties report for preseason camp Friday and travel to Minnesota State-Mankato next Wednesday for their first scrimmage. Gustavus opens the regular season Aug. 31-Sept. 1 in San Antonio, Texas with four matches at the Trinity National Invitational. The home opener is Sept. 12 against Hamline.