By Ben Risinger, Sports Information Director
August 16, 2004

BLUFFTON, OHIO - The Bluffton University volleyball team has been chosen fifth in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's preseason volleyball coaches poll.

The Beavers return five starters to the team in 2004 as they only lost two players to graduation from the 2003 squad. In 2003 Bluffton placed fifth in the HCAC by posting a 3-4 conference and 17-16 overall record.

The College of Mount St. Joseph was picked first as they won the conference championship in 2003 with a perfect 7-0 record. Defiance College was picked second, Franklin third, Anderson fourth, Bluffton fifth, Manchester sixth with Hanover and Transylvania tying for seventh.

The Beavers will open the 2004 season on September 1 when they travel to neighbor school Ohio Northern University. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Preseason HCAC Coaches Poll
1.         Mount St. Joseph         64 (8)
2.         Defiance College         53
3.         Franklin College          46
4.         Anderson University   43
5.         Bluffton University    30
6.         Manchester College    26
7.         Hanover College         13
            Transylvania Univ.      13