Athletics Headlines: Men's Volleyball Ranked 4th in Pre-Season Poll

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January 15, 2008

Men's Volleyball Ranked 4th in Pre-Season Poll

The Men's Volleyball NAIA 2008 Coaches Pre-Season Poll has been released. The MBU men’s volleyball team, who finished in the Final Four at Nationals a year ago, are ranked fourth.

The Spartans return several key players from last year’s Final Four team. Ryan Young, a 6’4” senior, will serve as MBU's team captain for the second straight year. Fellow senior Matt Washechek will return to run the offense in his third year as starting setter for MBU. Junior opposite, Matt Mahoney, is expected to make major contributions at the net along side middle blocker Garrett Callender.

MBU will open its season January 25th at 3:00 p.m. vs. Moody Bible Institute at a tournament hosted by Lindenwood University. They will open play at home on January 28th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Hope International University

The Spartans compete in the Mid-America Men's Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference East division. Competing with MBU in the East division this year include St. Ambrose University, Cardinal-Stritch University, Clarke College and Moody Bible Institute. MBU won the MAMVIC East Playoff Championship in 2007, and finished second in the Regular Season behind Lindenwood University (competing in the West division this year).

The complete pre-season ranking is as follows:

1. California Baptist University, 1-1

2. Park University, 0-0

3. Lindenwood University, 0-0

4. Missouri Baptist University, 0-0

5. Cardinal Stritch University, 0-0

6. St. Ambrose University, 0-0

7. Hope International University, 0-0

8. Missouri Valley College, 0-0

9. Johnson and Wales University, 0-0

10. Graceland University, 0-0