HANCEVILLE —
The Wallace State volleyball program has earned its best preseason ranking, sitting at No. 15 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I preseason poll, which was released on Thursday.
The Lions are recognized in the Top 25 preseason ranking for the fourth year in a row. They are seeking their fourth consecutive state championship this season under coach Randy Daniel.
“I’m excited about that ranking. It means we are inching up there nationally, and that’s a good thing,” Daniel said. “I’ve got a talented group coming in. Our five sophomores are a committed, dedicated group, and the freshman class appears to be one of the best we’ve had.”
Erica Baker, an NJCAA honorable mention selection, is among the team’s returning sophomores. The middle hitter from Hazel Green was also the ACCC/Region 22 Player of the Year last season after leading the conference in hitting percentage and blocks. She finished second in kills.
Other returning sophomores are EA Shaver, of Athens Bible, Bekah Myers and Maegan Belcher, of Gardendale, and Jessica Coombs, of West Vigo, Ind.
Last season, Wallace State finished 42-5, captured its third straight ACCC/Region 22 tournament title and remained undefeated in regular-season league play for the fourth year in a row. The program made its third straight trip to the NJCAA national tournament in West Plains, Mo., and 12th overall.
Wallace State opens the 2012 season on Aug. 24-25, hosting its fifth annual tournament at Tom Drake Coliseum.
Daniel, entering his fifth year with the Lions, has a 195-33 career record at Wallace State.
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