Aug. 6, 2009

Coming off the most successful season in program history, Saint Louis University volleyball begins the 2009 season tied for No. 17 in the Volleyball Magazine Preseason Top 20 poll. Last year, the Billikens posted a 29-5 mark, went undefeated in the Atlantic 10 Conference and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Bills face four teams ranked in the top seven of the poll including No. 1 Penn State, the two-time defending national champion, and No. 2 Texas. SLU also will play No. 6 California, No. 7 Hawai'i and No. 13 Illinois.

The Billikens open the 2009 season against Alabama Friday, Aug. 28, when they host the Active Ankle Challenge in Chaifetz Arena. The next day, Saturday, Aug. 29, SLU faces Miami (Ohio) and Penn State. For ticket information, please call (314) 977-4SLU.

Volleyball Magazine Preseason Top 20
1. Penn State
2. Texas
3. Nebraska
4. Washington
5. Stanford
6. California
7. Hawai'i
8. Minnesota
9. Florida
10. UCLA
11. Iowa State
12. USC
13. Illinois
14. Oregon
15. Michigan
16. San Diego
t-17. Saint Louis
t-17. Wichita State
19. Utah
20. Santa Clara