Long Beach State University Athletics
Volleyball starts season in Top 25
8/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 18, 2009
Long Beach, Calif. - Long Beach State will debut in the Top 25 for the third consecutive season, ranking No. 23 in the AVCA Preseason Poll released today. The 49ers are looking to defend their 2008 Big West Championship and make a 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009.
The 49ers will face ranked opponents early and often in a difficult schedule. Long Beach State starts off the season with a bang, facing two ranked opponents to begin the year, hosting No. 15 San Diego and No. 2 Texas in the Walter Pyramid on August 28 and 29.
Long Beach State will also play No. 9 UCLA prior to the conference slate, taking on the Bruins in a neutral site match on Sept. 19 at Cal State Fullerton. Finally, Long Beach State will finish the 2009 regular season by hosting No. 17 Utah on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Long Beach State is the only Big West team ranked in the preseason poll, but Cal Poly and UC Irvine both received votes in the poll. The 49ers also play one final team receiving votes, facing Tulane on the road on September 12 in New Orleans.
All-American Naomi Washington and 2008 Big West Freshman of the Year Caitlin Ledoux lead Long Beach State into the 2009 campaign. The 49ers play their first five matches at home in the Walter Pyramid, beginning August 28 at 7 p.m.
