AIKEN,
S.C.--For the first time since the end of last season, the USC
Aiken Lady Pacers (12-9) are back in the NCAA South Region Volleyball
Poll. In the poll released late Wednesday evening, the Lady Pacers
are 10th following their five-match winning streak capped by a 3-0
blanking at Rollins, rated fifth in the region. Armstrong Atlantic
State, at number nine, is the only other Peach Belt Conference team
in the poll.
At seasons’ end, the NCAA regional poll is what determines who gets into
the NCAA Tournament and who is left at home. The NCAA Division II field expanded
to 64 teams in 2005 with eight teams per region qualifying. Three automatic bids
will be up for grabs for winners of the Peach Belt Conference and South Atlantic
Conference tournament champions, as well as the regular season champion of the
Sunshine State Conference (they do not have a postseason tournament).
“Although it is an honor to be recognized as one of the top teams in the
South Region, this poll really does not matter to us,” said USCA head coach
Will Condon. “The only one that matters is the one used to select teams
for the NCAA Tournament. If this were the last poll, I do not think our players
would be satisfied because it would mean our season was over.”
Tampa, ranked fourth in the nation in the latest CSTV/AVCA Top 25 Coaches Poll,
is the top rated team in the region with a 19-2 overall record and a perfect
12-0 mark in region play. Florida Gulf Coast (18-2, 11-1) is second followed
by Florida Southern (21-2, 12-1), Barry (11-8, 8-3), and Rollins (18-8, 8-7)
filling out the top five.
“
For right now, I think we are sitting in a great place. We have an opportunity
to move up with our remaining schedule,” said Condon. “With matches
against Florida Gulf Coast, Armstrong Atlantic State, USC Upstate, and Francis
Marion, we have the ability to jump up into the top eight.”
USC Aiken is
riding a season-best five-match winning streak after a perfect 3-0 mark at this
past weekend’s Rollins/South Region Challenge. The
Lady Pacers will play at Lander in a Peach Belt Conference contest tonight
at 7:00 PM and then travel to Spartanburg, S.C. for a huge PBC showdown with
rival USC Upstate on Friday at 7:00 PM. USCA is currently in a three-way
tie with the Spartans and Francis Marion for second play in the PBC standings.
NCAA Division II Volleyball
South Region Poll
October 19, 2005
1. Tampa.....................................19-2
2. Florida Gulf Coast...................18-2
3. Florida Southern......................21-2
4. Barry.......................................11-8
5. Rollins.....................................18-8
6. Wingate...................................18-3
7. Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras..........11-6
8. Presbyterian...........................20-4
9. Armstrong Atlantic State........15-6
10. USC Aiken...........................12-9
|
