For a list of the first rankings, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2011 Baruch volleyball schedule, CLICK HERE.

The first official rankings of the 2011 men’s volleyball season was released today and the Baruch College Bearcats are ranked #7 nationally in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Poll.

Last year, the Bearcats spent most of the season ranked #4, and finished their 2010 schedule (33 wins, 6 losses, 17-0 CUNYAC) ranked #7 nationally. 

This year, the team returns 2010 AVCA Division III All-Americans Pablo Oliveira and Eryk Kowalsksi, and hopes are high for another outstanding season led by Head Coach Allison Stack.

Overall, based on the upcoming schedule, five of the first eight matches to begin the season will feature an opponent that is currently ranked in the AVCA Top 15.

Springfield College of Massachusetts, the 2010 Division III NCAA Champion, is the top team in the poll with all 16 first place votes. Juniata, UC Santa Cruz, Nazareth, and Rivier round out the top 5 of the first rankings.

The Baruch men’s volleyball season will officially begin on Saturday, January 22, at the New Paltz State Hawks Tournament in New Paltz, New York. The Bearcats will battle the tournament hosts New Paltz State and #8-ranked MIT in the first day of action.

The 2011 schedule includes three matches against nearby rival NYU, along with two matches against Division I Rutgers-Newark and a road trip in March to play current #1 ranked and defending champion Springfield College.