Aug. 11, 2003

The University of Missouri volleyball team is ranked No. 21 in the USA Today/AVCA Coaches' Preseason Top 25 which was released on Monday. The ranking marks the first time in school history in which the Tigers have been ranked in the preseason poll.

Mizzou spent the final 11 weeks of the 2002 season in the Top 25 and was ranked No. 20 in the final poll. The Tigers climbed as high as No. 19 twice last season, its highest ever ranking.

Four of MU's 2003 opponents join the Tigers in this year's preseason poll. Nebraska is No. 7, Kansas State is No. 15, Washington State is No. 19 and Texas is No. 23. Texas A&M and Utah each received votes and are on the Tiger's schedule this season.

The Tigers will open up the 2003 season on Aug. 29-30 as the host the 2nd Annual Quality Inn Tiger Invitational at the Hearnes Center. Joining MU in the tournament will be Montana State, Toledo and Arkansas. The first opportunity for Tiger fans to see the team will be the Black and Gold Match on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Hearnes Center.

Click here for the Complete Poll
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