TicketsAug. 8, 2007
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--The University of Cincinnati volleyball team will open the 2007 season with a great deal to prove after the Bearcats were selected to finish sixth in the BIG EAST in a preseason vote of the league coaches. In addition, junior standout Jessie Nevitt was one of 13 players recognized on the preseason all-conference squad.
The Bearcats finished the 2006 season with a 22-7 overall record and were tied for third in the final league standings with a 10-4 mark. Despite the return of 10 letterwinners and the loss of just two seniors, the Bearcats failed to crack the top-five in the league preseason poll for the first time in head coach Reed Sunahara's seven seasons in charge.
"I believe this is the lowest we've been picked since I've been here," Sunahara stated. "If that's not motivation enough for our players, I don't know what is. The rankings show that we have alot to prove. Obviously, the teams ahead of us are all good teams, but I think we can compete for the championship. The pieces are in place, now we just have to go out and do it."
Nevitt, a two-time first team all-BIG EAST selection was tabbed to the preseason all-conference team for the second straight year. The junior ranked among the BIG EAST leaders in blocks per game (1st-1.68) and hitting percentage (2nd-.367) in 2006 and was an honorable mention All-American choice.
"Jessie has had two good seasons for us and we expect another big performance from her this year," Sunahara continued. "She is a great player, but she can't do it alone. She will need a supporting cast to step up and make us a great team."
Notre Dame received eight of the 15 first-place votes and edged Louisville for the top spot by just a single point. Louisville grabbed the other seven first-place markers and earned 187 points in the poll. St. John's, the defending BIG EAST regular season champions were third with 172 points, just ahead of Pittsburgh (147) and Marquette (141).
Cincinnati opens the 2007 campaign on Aug. 24-25 hosting the annual State Farm Bearcats Invitational presented by the Vernon Manor Hotel. UC's opening match of the new season will come on Aug. 24 against former Conference USA foe Southern Miss. For ticket information, log onto CATSTIX.com or call 1-877-CATS-TIX.