Volleyball Seventh in Preseason Poll

Aug. 13, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma volleyball team tallied 46 points to finish in seventh in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll as announced by the league office on Thursday.

“We have to win and earn respect,” said Oklahoma head coach Santiago Restrepo. “That's how you rank higher in the league. We know that it's not where you start but how you finish. Our goal is end up higher than we are now.”

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Texas was selected as the preseason favorite. The Longhorns, the 2008 Big 12 co-champions, received eight of the possible 11 first-place votes while tallying 98 points overall. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Nebraska was second behind UT with 93 points and three first-place votes, followed by Iowa State, Texas A&M and Baylor to round out the top five. Kansas State was sixth, while Oklahoma checked in at No. 7. Missouri and Kansas were ranked eighth and ninth, respectively. Colorado and Texas Tech filled the final two spots.

Oklahoma returns all six position starters and four different team statistical leaders from 2008. Of the 10 returning, just two are seniors. All three juniors play the same position, providing ample depth at middle blocker. The returning setters bring experience as sophomores.

Two players from the 2008 team were honored for their play last year. Sophomores Brianne Barker and Caitlin Higgins were named to the All-Big 12 Freshman team. Higgins earned the Sports Imports/AVCA National Player of the Week award last year, as well.

Junior Francie Ekwerekwu and senior Bridget Laplante also return and are looking to punch another ticket to the postseason. Not only did the team get much needed experience in the fall, the returning players had a promising spring in preparation for the 2009 campaign.

The Sooners begin 2009 on the road, taking part in the Mizuno Invitational at Rice University beginning Aug. 28. OU faces Houston Baptist, the host Owls, Nicholls State and Central Arkansas in the two day event.

Oklahoma host Missouri in its home opener on Sept. 19. The Sooners and Tigers face off at 11:30 a.m. Admission to the contest is free.

2009 BIG 12 PRESEASON COACHES' POLL

Rank	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1	Texas (8)	98
2	Nebraska (3)	93
3	Iowa State	81
4	Texas A&M	68
5	Baylor	63
6	Kansas State	57
7	OKLAHOMA	46
8	Missouri	38
9	Kansas	30
10	Colorado	20
11	Texas Tech	11