Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Volleyball Earns Preseason National Recognition
8/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 10, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. -
2004 USA Today/CSTV Top 25 Coaches Preseason Poll in PDF Format
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For the second straight year, the Fresno State volleyball team received preseason national recognition after picking up votes in the USA Today/CSTV Top 25 Coaches Preseason Poll, as announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Picked to finish second in the 2004 Western Athletic Conference preseason poll last month, the Bulldogs received 12 votes for a No. 43 showing, up a spot from a year ago in the 2003 USA Today/AVCA Top 25 Coaches Preseason Poll. While the preseason nod marks the sixth time in the program's history that the `Dogs received preseason votes, it also makes it the fifth time under 14th-year head coach Lindy Vivas that Fresno State has received early acknowledgements. Fresno State, which opens two-a-days practice tomorrow afternoon, is coming off a 21-7 record after going 23-7 in 2002 and a NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bulldogs, who boast four WAC preseason selections, including the preseason player of the year in All-America senior outside hitter Kristen Fenton, notched the program's ninth 20-win season in 2003, eight of which have come under Vivas. Looking to post its 100th WAC win as well as handing Vivas her 250th school win this fall, Fresno State have now received votes in the AVCA's official poll in 19 of 35 weeks dating back to 2002. Taking a look at the Bulldogs' 2004 schedule, Fresno State will get its first taste of Top 25 competition on Sept. 10 when the `Dogs take on No. 25 Notre Dame at the Cal Poly Tournament in San Luis Obispo, Calif. In addition, Fresno State will open its conference home schedule against No. 13 Hawai'i on Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m., at the Save Mart Center. NOTE: The Annual "Meet the Team" has been set for Sat., Aug. 21, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., at Sierra Vista Mall. The 2004 pocket schedule, poster and ticket brochure will be available. The general public will also have a chance to enter a drawing for four free tickets when the Bulldogs battle Hawai'i on Sept. 30.
