SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University's volleyball team is ranked in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 poll for the first time in program history coming in at No. 23 in the first regular season edition of the rankings.
 
The Cougars have won 12 straight games to start the season – the most wins of any team in the country – and are one of 15 remaining undefeated teams. Two of those wins were over teams receiving votes in the national poll, including a five-set victory over Cornerstone University in SAU's home opener last Wednesday.
 
Isabelle Kirkendall has posted a team-high 103 kills this season while Kendall Bollenbacher and Kelsie Lilly have totaled 102 each. Keely Hinzman currently ranks second in the NAIA in total blocks with 53 (1.26 blocks per set) to go along with 85 kills and a .366 hitting percentage.
 
In addition to Spring Arbor, five other Crossroads League teams appeared in the rankings. Indiana Wesleyan University is No. 7, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is No. 15, Marian University is No. 16, Taylor University is No. 22 and Grace College is receiving votes.
 
Spring Arbor (12-0) opens Crossroads League play at Marian (8-1) on Wednesday, Sept. 3 in Indianapolis.