(Posted October 28, 2004)

Huntingdon, PA - For this first time this season, the Juniata women's volleyball team has captured the number one ranking in the CSTV/AVCA Division III Coaches Top 25 Poll. Juniata, now 25-3, garnered 391 points, 20 ahead of second-ranked Wittenberg in the poll released on October 27. The Eagles received 12 out of a possible 16 first-place votes to move into the top spot.

Juniata posted a 5-0 record the previous week to help jump from the second position in the poll. Juniata defeated conference opponent Widener, then earned four victories at the "Wid" Guisler Invitational, one of which came against 25th-ranked Carnegie Mellon. The Eagles started the season ranked third in the preseason poll, and have now held every position between first and sixth in the 2004 season.

The Eagles have posted a 2-2 record against teams ranked in the top 10 so far this season. They have defeated third-ranked Washington (Mo.), 3-0, and tenth-ranked Trinity, 3-0.

Juniata's only two losses against a Division III opponent have both come against Wittenberg. Wittenberg (27-2), last week's number-one ranked team, fell to the second spot behind Juniata after losses to Washington (Mo.) and seventh-ranked Emory.

This marks the 32nd week that Juniata has been the top of the poll since it began in 1992. Juniata held the top spot for 12-consecutive weeks last season as Juniata finished the regular season undefeated.

Juniata will have a chance to bump its record against top 10 teams above .500 this weekend when they travel to Texas to play four matches at the Trinity University (Tx.) National Invitational. The Eagles will take on two ranked opponents, sixth-ranked Northern Ohio and then a rematch against Trinity to close out the regular season.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.