The first poll of the 2014 NCAA Division III season was released this afternoon by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (A.V.C.A.).

The Bearcats are ranked preseason #5 based on the polling conducted by a select number of Division III volleyball coaches.

The team finished ranked #3 nationally in 2013 with a 34-6 record and NCAA Final Four appearance.

They return a majority of the roster behind talented student-athletes such as Steven Coniglio, Jack McKee, Scott Standring, Brady Ambro, Chris Kaimis and Nick Smith.

Springfield, the two-time defending champions, earned the most votes to take first place, followed by Nazareth, Juniata, and SUNY-New Paltz to round out the teams ranked ahead of the Bearcats.

This upcoming season, the Bearcats play Springfield (twice), Nazareth (twice), and SUNY-New Paltz on Senior Night. They also play 10 of the 14 teams ranked in this first poll, including #10 NYU at home on March 27.

"The Baruch volleyball program is very proud to be recognized at the national level," said Head Coach Danial Levent. "We are looking forward to the challenges ahead this season."

The Bearcats open play in Poughkeepsie, New York on Friday, January 24, against Vassar College at 7:00 pm.

For a complete list of the first rankings, please read below.

A.V.C.A. Division III Men's Coaches Top 15 Preseason Poll – January 14, 2014
Ranking, Team, Total Poll Points
#1 Springfield (209)
#2 Nazareth (183)
#3 Juniata (172)
#4 SUNY-New Paltz (152)
#5 Baruch (146)
#6 UC Santa Cruz (144)
#7 Carthage (139)
#8 Rivier (110)
#9 Stevens Tech (84)
#10 NYU (80)
#11 Stevenson (78)
#12 M.I.T. (55)
#13 Kean (52)
#14 Elmira (28)
#15 Medaille (16)

Others receiving votes:  Vassar, Endicott, Emmanuel   


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