AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - The Capital University volleyball team was picked as one of the teams to beat in the 2009 Ohio Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released on Tuesday. The Crusaders ranked fourth in the 10 team race.
Capital earned 57 points in the poll to finish fourth overall. Defending OAC Champion and 2008 NCAA National Semifinalist Ohio Northern was first in the Preseason Poll with 80 points and eight of the 10 first place votes. Mount Union picked up the other two first place votes and ranked second with 69 points. Heidelberg was third with 65 points to finish just ahead of the Crusaders.
Capital volleyball looks forward to the 2009 season with the hopes of building upon the strong play of five returning seniors and the experience gained during a 24-9 record last season and a fifth place finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
Capital Head Coach Pam Briggs said that the team's success will depend on her five seniors leading by example, both on the court and in the classroom.
"These seniors are going to be leaving a legacy that requires having the ability to perform both academically and athletically," Briggs said. "Last year's team had a 3.8 GPA, which is remarkable. It's been passed on from athletes in the past, and I think they will step up to the calling."
Along with their accomplishments last season, the team takes great pride in leading all varsity teams in GPA last school year. That mark allowed Capital to be recognized once again with the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2008-2009 academic year. CU was one of just four programs in the OAC to receive mention from the AVCA last season.
With 10 returning letterwinners, Capital looks to be in the upper echelon of the OAC this season after a 2008 campaign that saw all nine losses come to regionally-ranked teams. The Crusaders, which have won an OAC Regular Season and Tournament championship this decade, also have the benefit of welcoming 12 newcomers to the program.
Capital will open its 2009 schedule at home by hosting the Capital Volleyball Opener on Sept. 4-5 at the Capital Center.