Baylor volleyball has been picked to finish third in the 2017 Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, announced Thursday by the conference office.
The Bears found themselves picked in the top three for the first time in program history. In the 22-year history of the poll, BU has not been picked any higher than fifth which happened on two occasions (2009, 2012).
“I appreciate the respect the Big 12 coaches have given Baylor volleyball by voting us into the top group,” head coach Ryan McGuyre said. “I believe it is a reflection of our volleyball families' dedication and commitment to one another and the support given by so many faculty and staff here at Baylor University.”
With six first-place votes, Texas has been picked as the favorite for the seventh consecutive year, followed by last year’s conference champion Kansas with three first-place votes. Following Baylor in third is Iowa State and Kansas State, picked to finish fourth and fifth.
West Virginia has been pick sixth, followed by TCU, Oklahoma and Texas Tech in the seventh thru ninth spots.
Originally picked to finish seventh in last year’s preseason poll, Baylor capped off its conference season with a 9-7 record which tied for fourth and led to the team’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 2011. McGuyre looks to make a similar mark in his third season in Waco.
“The poll ultimately means very little compared to where you finish,” McGuyre said. “We will continue to be our best today and make wise and mature decisions that will allow us to finish strong.”
The Bears kick off the 2017 season on Aug. 25 against Florida State, hosting the Hampton Inn & Suite Waco North Baylor Invitational. Fans can catch an early glimpse of the 20-member squad at the team’s annual Green and Gold Scrimmage, set for Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. All home matches will take place at the Ferrell Center.
2017 BIG 12 VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
1. Texas (6) 62
2. Kansas (3) 59
3. Baylor 47
4. Iowa State 46
5. Kansas State 35
6. West Virginia 24
7. TCU 23
8. Oklahoma 15
9. Texas Tech 13
First-place votes in parentheses. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
