BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University volleyball team found itself at #19 when the American Volleyball Coaches Association released it initial Top 25 poll on Wednesday, Feb. 24. It marks the first time in Heartland Conference history that five HCAC schools have been ranked in the same poll!
Bluffton's opponent on Friday night in the conference semifinals came in 3rd with second-seeded Mount St. Joseph 13th. Franklin's victory over Transy propelled the Grizzlies to 17th and Earlham is sitting at #22 and just missing out on the HCAC tournament after the Quakers fell to Franklin.
The Beavers, ranked one spot higher than national-power Hope College, have punched their ticket for a 13th straight Heartland Conference Tournament and after opening the conference slate with a 2-3 mark, Bluffton rolled off four straight victories to secure the #4 seed.
A victory in Lexington on Friday night would send the Beavers into the HCAC championship match at the Franklin-MSJ winner on Sunday afternoon. Bluffton is playing in the Heartland Conference semifinals for the 11th time in 13 years.
-BEAVERS-