Aug. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON - The BIG EAST Conference released its preseason poll on Monday afternoon, with the Georgetown University women's volleyball team projected to finish 13 out of 15 teams in the league for the upcoming 2011 season, after finishing 11th in 2010.
The Hoyas went 15-15 last season, going 5-9 in conference play and winning one of their final three games. Last season was their first 15-win season under head coach Arlisa Williams. The squad produced seven home wins in McDonough Arena and will have a chance to avenge two of last season's conference losses against two of the top ranked teams at home this season.
The Hoyas lose middle blocker Vanessa Dorismond, who received BIG EAST Second Team honors, with a team-high .296 hitting percentage. She earned two conference team nods during her time at Georgetown, and led the team in both kills per set (2.91) and points per set (3.50). The Hoyas retain seniors Ashley Malone and Tory Rezin, along with adding three incoming freshmen in Keiley Culbertson, Alexandra Johnston and Danielle White.
The Hoyas have notable conference matchups against Marquette, Seton Hall, and an away match at Notre Dame, and will close out the season with two home matches against Cincinnati and Louisville on November 11 and 13, respectively.
Atop the polls is Louisville, who received the highest amount of first place votes with 11. Notre Dame follows with one vote, and Cincinnati obtained three first place votes to round out the squads receiving potential first-place recognition.
The Hoyas open the 2011 season at the DC Challenge, squaring off against George Mason University Friday, August 26. The event is hosted at American University and begins at 5 p.m.
2011 BIG EAST Women's Volleyball Poll
1. Louisville (11)
2. Notre Dame (1)
3. Cincinnati (3)
4. Marquette
5. Villanova
6. Seton Hall
7. Pittsburgh
8. USF
9. Syracuse
10. St. John's
11. Connecticut
12. West Virginia
13. Georgetown
14. Rutgers
15. DePaul
