The Long Beach State women’s volleyball team was ranked No. 23 in the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association Preseason Top 25 Poll released last Tuesday.
The ‘Niners, picked to also finish first in the Big West Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll, will attempt to qualify for their 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament this season. LBSU opens the season hosting No. 15 San Diego and No. 2 Texas at the Pyramid on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
The Beach also faces No. 9 UCLA on Sept. 19 at Cal State Fullerton. Another preseason Top 25 opponent on the 49ers’ slate will be No. 17 Utah. LBSU will host the Utes on Nov. 28 at the Mizuno Thanksgiving Tournament.
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation coaches selected the 49ers to finish eighth in their Preseason Coaches’ Poll released last Wednesday.
The ‘Niners, who finished last season 14-18, return five starters this season, including seniors Dereck Weibe-Bailey and Justin Koeppen.
LBSU opens its season at the 49er Campus Pool on Sept. 12 against USC. The Trojans were selected to finish first in the MPSF Preseason Poll, and will carry a 29-game winning streak into their match against the 49ers.