Michigan State University Athletics
Volleyball Tabbed Seventh In Big Ten Conference Preseason Poll
8/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 17, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
2006 Big Ten Conference Preseason Poll and Preseason All-Big Ten Team
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The Michigan State volleyball team has been selected seventh in the Big Ten preseason poll, as announced on Thursday by the Conference office. In addition, Spartan outside hitter Katie Johnson was selected to the 12-member Preseason All-Big Ten Team for the first time in her career.
"I'm very pleased with the rankings and very pleased that our colleagues see an improvement in Michigan State volleyball," Spartan head coach Cathy George said. "I know we've been working very hard during the offseason and this proves that our hard work hasn't gone unnoticed."
The leagues head coaches chose the Spartans seventh in the 2006 poll, which is two spots up from a ninth-place preseason ranking in 2005. Three-time defending Big Ten champion Penn State was selected first, followed by runner-up Wisconsin and third place Minnesota. Michigan State finished ninth in the Big Ten race a year ago with a 5-15 record.
Michigan State opens the 2006 season against IPFW on Aug. 25, when it competes at the Ball State Nike/Active Ankle Weekend, Aug. 25-26, in Muncie Ind. The Spartans open their home season at the Spartan Invitational, Sept. 1-2, at Jenison Field House.
2006 BIG TEN PRESEASON POLL1. Penn State2. Wisconsin3. Minnesota4. Ohio State5. Purdue6. Northwestern7. Michigan State8. Michigan9. Illinois10. Iowa11. Indiana
