"In spite of the changes, the Big 12 remains as one of the elite volleyball conferences in the country, so we are proud to be considered in the top four of such an elite group," A&M head coach Laurie Corbelli said. "I think we belong there, and we are excited to get going and keep ourselves up there in the top of the conference."
Texas, coming off of a third consecutive appearance in the NCAA semifinals, garnered the top spot in the preseason poll, receiving seven of nine first-place votes and 63 total points. The nine league coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
Iowa State received two first-place votes and tied Oklahoma for second with 53 points. Texas A&M received 43 points, followed by Missouri (32 points), Baylor (30) and Kansas (22). Kansas State (20) and Texas Tech (8) round out the poll.
"It is going to be a very experienced league this year," said Corbelli, who is entering her 19th season at the helm of the Aggies. "There are a lot of incredibly strong, impact players returning for every team."
The Aggies return 14 of 15 letterwinners, including all six starters and the libero, from last year's team that went 13-17 overall and finished eighth in the conference with a 7-13 mark. Corbelli also brought in three newcomers, including two transfers from Top 10 programs.
"I'm happy with top four in terms of the talent we have," Corbelli said. "I think that is accurate, but there are so many variables that can't be figured in. Experience counts for a lot. Confidence counts for a lot, maybe more so than talent, and over the long haul it remains to be seen who can persevere through one of the toughest conferences in the country. I'm hoping our group will really show some of the intangibles, how much this team really wants to win, how united this team is.
"Anything can happen, but I do know that it is definitely going to be high quality volleyball throughout the season, and we can't wait to get started."
The Aggies begin the season August 26 at Reed Arena as they host NCAA participants Creighton and UTSA in the two-day Texas A&M Invitational. The Aggies make their season debut at 2:30 p.m. against Creighton, which reached the second round of NCAAs after upsetting heavily favored and Big 12 member Iowa State in the first round.
A&M returns to the court Friday evening at 7:30 to take on UTSA, the defending Southland Conference tournament champion. The Aggies conclude the tournament on Saturday, Aug. 27 with a rematch against Creighton at 12:30 p.m.
A&M begins Big 12 play on Sept. 24 at Missouri, which reached the Sweet 16 in 2010, and then opens the home conference slate on Sept. 28 against Baylor.
The Aggies will play 13 home matches overall. Season tickets can be
purchased at AggieAthletics.com, at the Athletic Ticket Office window or by
calling 888-99-AGGIE. Individual match tickets go on sale August 17.
2011 BIG 12 VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
|
Rank |
Team (First-place votes) |
Points |
|
1. |
Texas (7) |
63 |
|
2. |
Iowa State (2) |
53 |
|
 |
Oklahoma |
53 |
|
4. |
Texas A&M |
43 |
|
5. |
Missouri |
32 |
|
6. |
Baylor |
30 |
|
7. |
Kansas |
22 |
|
8. |
Kansas State |
20 |
|
9. |
Texas Tech |
8 |
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