Sept. 30, 2008

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara volleyball team broke into the rankings this week as the Broncos appeared at No. 23 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/CBS College Sports Top-25 Coaches Poll, it was announced Monday. The Broncos are one of three West Coast Conference schools in the top-25; No. 15 Pepperdine, No. 16 San Diego.

The Broncos are off to a solid start this season. Santa Clara has an 8-3 overall record and begins West Coast Conference action this week against Loyola Marymount and No. 15 Pepperdine. Redshirt senior and two-time All-American Anna Cmaylo along with freshman Tanya Schmidt lead the Broncos statistically. Schmidt has a team-best 36.4 hitting percentage and averages 0.77 blocks per set, while Cmaylo leads the team with 1.13 blocks per set and is second on the squad with a 36.3 hitting percentage. On serve, freshman Libby Morrison has dished out a team-high 13 aces.

SCU has maintained a consistent presence in the coaches poll, dating back to the 2000 season. SCU went seven straight seasons ranked each week in the top-25. In 2007, the Broncos started off the season ranked for four straight weeks but continued to receive votes through the end of the season. This year, Santa Clara began receiving votes in the first four week before jumping into the top-25 this week.

Santa Clara begins West Coast Conference action this week against Loyola Marymount on Oct. 2 and Pepperdine on Oct. 4. Both contests will be held at the Leavey Center.