Aug. 29, 2011

BERKELEY - After sweeping its competition last week in six straight sets, the California volleyball team moved from third in the nation to first, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association's poll released Monday. This is the first time the Golden Bears have ever been the preeminent team in the country.

"It is an honor that some of the coaches feel we are deserving of the number-one ranking," Cal head coach Rich Feller said. "It is great recognition for our program and the hard work we have put in. However, I will say again that the ranking at the end of the season means more than the beginning. We will work hard to continue to earn the respect we have been given."

Cal received 31 first-place votes, almost more than triple the amount now-No. 2 Penn State garnered (11). USC moved down a notch as well, from second to third with five first-place votes. Texas earned nine first-place votes but stayed steady in fourth place.

Last year, Cal earned its then-highest ranking of third on Oct. 25, only to best that later in the season as the No. 2 team in the country.

Prior to the 2010 season, Cal's previous highest ranking was No. 4 on several occasions. The Bears earned their highest final ranking of No. 4 at the end of the 2007 when the squad advanced to the national semifinal round of the NCAA championship.

The Bears began the 2011 season as the No. 3 team in the country, making it the 11th time in school history that the Bears have been ranked to open a season and the ninth consecutive time since Rich Feller became head coach in 1999. Cal has now achieved a top-10 preseason ranking four times.

This Week on the Court:

The Bears make their longest trip - distance wise - for a two-day tournament in Charlottesville, Va. On Sept. 2, Cal takes on Long Island at 10 a.m. PT before tackling host Virginia at 4 p.m. PT. Things conclude Sept. 3 with a 10 a.m. PT match against East Carolina.

Season and individual match tickets are still available for purchase. Purchasing season tickets offers fans a 50-percent discount per ticket over single match tickets, and gives purchasers behind the scenes access with the team and coaches. Season-ticket holders receive invitations to exclusive season-ticket holder events, and opportunities to win team gear, ticket vouchers to bring friends to matches and more!

For more information about season and individual match tickets, please click here.

AVCA Division I Coaches Week #1 Poll: August 29, 2011

Others Receiving Votes and appearing on two or more ballots: Tennessee 117; Pepperdine 67; LSU 37; Missouri 33; Miami (FL) 18; Tulsa 18; Arizona 15; Notre Dame 15; San Diego State 13; Clemson 9; St. Mary's (Ca.) 8; Cal Poly 6; Northwestern 4; Western Kentucky 4; Michigan State 3 Nine schools were listed on only one ballot for a total of 25 points.

Dropped Out: Tennessee 24; Tulsa 23

Next poll: September 5, 2011