With All-American Naomi Washington and 2008 Big West Freshman of the Year Caitlin Ledoux leading Long Beach State into the 2009 campaign, the American Volleyball Coaches Association is paying attention.

Long Beach State will debut in the Top 25 for the third consecutive season, ranking No. 23 in the AVCA Preseason Poll released yesterday.  The 49ers will begin defending their 2008 Big West Championship by playing their first five matches at home in the ‘Myd beginning August 28 at 7pm against San Diego.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier as  LBSU tries to get to a 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009.

The 49ers will face ranked opponents early like the No. 15 Toreros and No. 2 Texas.  LBSU will also play No. 9 UCLA prior to the conference slate, taking on the Bruins in a neutral site match on Sept. 19 at Cal State Fullerton. Finally, they will finish the 2009 regular season by hosting No. 17 Utah on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Long Beach State is the only Big West team ranked in the preseason poll, but Cal Poly and UC Irvine both received votes in the poll. The 49ers also play one final team receiving votes, facing Tulane on the road on September 12 in New Orleans.

Report By LBSU Sports Information Department