@MizzouVB Finishes No. 20 in Final 2017 AVCA Coaches Poll
12/18/2017 3:22:00 PM | Volleyball
Tigers finish Top-25 for eighth time in program history
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following the program's second-straight Sweet 16 appearance, Mizzou Volleyball placed No. 20 in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division I Coaches Top-25 poll, announced Monday (Dec. 18) by the organization's office.
For the first time in program history, Mizzou concludes its campaign ranked Top-20 in back to back seasons. In 2016, the Tigers finished No. 16 overall following its second all-time SEC Championship and Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament.
Following their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, the Tigers finish the season ranked No. 20 in the nation!
— Mizzou Volleyball (@MizzouVB) December 18, 2017
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Since the AVCA Top-25 poll's inception in 1982, Mizzou Volleyball has cracked the final poll eight times. The Tigers' top ranking to conclude a season occurred in 2005, as that year's team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Regional Final (Elite 8).
This season, Mizzou reached the NCAA Tournament for the 14th time since 2000. After their two thrilling victories in Wichita, Kan., in first and second round matchups, the Tigers advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. Overall, it marked Mizzou's fourth all-time bid to the NCAA Regional round (2005, '10, '16-17).
The Tigers' 377.5 total blocks (1st), 547 block assists (1st), 2.88 blocks per set (2nd), 104 solo blocks (7th), 2,243.5 points (T-9th) and 1,602 assists (10th) this year all ranked Top-10 all-time in a single season in program history.
Individually, Alyssa Munlyn garnered the Tigers' most awards in 2017, highlighted by her third consecutive AVCA All-American honor. Under Wayne Kreklow and Susan Kreklow (2000-present), Mizzou has accumulated 20 all-time All-American awards.
Munlyn and Kira Larson also produced AVCA Southeast All-Region accolades, improving the Kreklow's all-time All-Region award winners to 30. The Tiger duo, alongside Kayla Caffey and Leketor Member-Meneh received All-SEC recognitions in late November. The Kreklow's have guided 46 all-time All-Conference honorees under their tutelage.
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).
