SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's volleyball team continues to receive national recognition, earning votes in the second regular-season NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll released Wednesday.
Spring Arbor, which entered the first regular-season poll at No. 23, moved into the receiving votes category in the latest rankings. The Cougars were 9-4 when the poll was compiled after opening the season with nine wins in their first 11 matches.
SAU's strong start included a six-match winning streak and several notable non-conference victories. The Cougars swept then-No. 20 Midland and also picked up wins over Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville before opening Crossroads League play with a sweep of Saint Francis.
The Crossroads League continues to be well represented nationally. Indiana Wesleyan is ranked No. 7, Taylor moved up to No. 13, Mount Vernon Nazarene is No. 19 and Grace entered the poll at No. 23.
Eastern Oregon remained atop the national rankings with 18 first-place votes and a 15-0 record. Concordia (Neb.) moved up to No. 2, followed by Northwestern (Iowa), College of Idaho and McPherson (Kan.).
Since the poll was compiled, Spring Arbor added another ranked victory to its résumé Wednesday night, defeating No. 13 Taylor in five sets. The Cougars rallied after dropping the opening set and hit .438 in the decisive fifth set to earn the 25-27, 25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 15-13 victory.
Isabelle Kirkendall and
Keely Hinzman led the way with 17 kills apiece against Taylor. Hinzman hit .583 and added eight total blocks, while Kirkendall finished with 11 digs.
Natasha Bickel added 11 kills, and
Camy Wedge recorded 33 assists and 12 digs.
The victory improved Spring Arbor to 10-4 overall and 2-3 in Crossroads League play.
The Cougars return to action Saturday, Sept. 19 when they host Marian at 5:30 p.m.
