VB Opens Season at Home

Volleyball 8/26/2010 12:00:00 AM

Aug. 26, 2010

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TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

Baylor Game Notes

GAME CENTER: SEASON OPENER
MEDIA INFORMATION
Date: Aug. 27-28, 2010
Location: Waco, Texas
Arena: Ferrell Center (6,000)
Internet Audio: www.BaylorBears.com
Internet Video: n/a
Talent: Larry Little (pxp)
Live Stats: www.BaylorBears.com

THIS WEEK'S TOP FIVE
- Baylor enters the 2010 season fresh off the first Sweet 16 appearance in program history, and the second straight winning season for the first time since three straight from 1999 to 2001. The 24 wins in 2009 also marked the fourth-highest total in school history. €ˆAmong those were BU's two highest-ranked wins ever: 3-0 vs. No. 11 Iowa State and 3-1 at No. 9 UCLA.

- The Bears return four starters and 10 letterwinners from last season's squad. Big 12 All-Freshman team member Torri Campbell, BU all-time digs-per-set leader Allison King, returning kills leader Ashlie Christenson, and steady defensive specialist Caitlyn Trice.

- With release of the Big 12 Preseason Coaches' Poll last week, the Bears received some early accolades. The squad was picked to finish sixth, behind Missouri and just ahead of Texas A&M, but had two preseason all-conference selections for the third consecutive season. Sophomore middle blocker Torri Campbell and senior outside hitter Ashlie Christenson were each honored.

- In his six-year tenure, head coach Jim Barnes has enjoyed big early season success, going 5-1 in season openers. In 2005, the Bears won five straight to start, then 12 of the first 13 in 2006, four of five to start 2007, eight in a row to start 2008 and a school-record 11-match winning streak to begin 2009's monumental campaign.

- The Bears added Missouri transfer Kate Harris (setter), along with incoming freshman Courtney Windham (MB), Sam Skryd (S), Kayci Evans (DS/L) and Emily Klein (OH).

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENTS
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
- The Ladyjacks return five starters from its 2009 squad which finished 24-13, marking the program's sixth consecutive 20-win season. SFA €ˆfell one win short of the NCAA €ˆTournament, losing to SLC €ˆTournament champion Texas State in the conference title match.The Ladyjacks return their top offensive weapon from last season in team kills leader MC €ˆBottles. Along with Bottles, who earned All-SLC second team honors last year, SFA €ˆalso returns the focal point of its back-row defense in All-SLC honorable mention selection Madison Hanlan.

BUTLER
- Last season, Butler enjoyed one of its finest seasons under 11th-year head coach Sharon Clark. The Bulldogs finished 21-14, the team's most victories since 1997. The 21-win total was also the highest mark for Butler under Clark, as the previous high was in 2003 when the Dawgs went 20-12. Butler is led by senior outside hitter Jessica Wolfe (4.01 kps), who became Butler volleyball's second AVCA All-American last year. Wolfe, who led the Horizon League in kills and points, was also an All-Horizon League selection as well as AVCA All-Midwest Region.

SMU
- The Mustangs are coming off a 19-12 record in 2009 and the program's first winning season in Conference USA play with a 9-7 mark. SMU €ˆlost just one starter heading into the 2010 season, and returns the bulk of its offense with two returners that recorded 300+ kills, including Dana Powell and Kathryn Wilkerson. Team digs leader, libero Sidney Stewart recorded 564 digs and 4.66 per set anchors the Mustang defense.

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