Baylor volleyball checked in at a program-best No. 16 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Poll, released Wednesday by the organization.
Baylor earned a preseason ranking for only the second time in program history and first since its No. 21 ranking in 2000.
Baylor’s ranking is only second to No. 3 Texas among Big 12 opponents. The Bears and Longhorns are joined in the poll by No. 21 Iowa State. Conference foe Kansas also received votes in the poll.
Baylor has 11 matches slated against ranked opponents or teams receiving votes, including: No. 3 Texas, No. 9 Wisconsin, No. 11 UCLA, No. 14 San Diego, No. 21 Iowa State, LSU, Marquette and Kansas.
Baylor is coming off a 24-7 season that saw the Bears earn its highest finish in Big 12 play and a national seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, hosting the first and second rounds in Waco. Ryan McGuyre enters his fourth season as head coach and welcomes in five newcomers to the roster.
