August 13, 1998

The Clemson volleyball team received 23 votes in the USA TODAY/AVCA Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll released this week. The team finished the 1997 season with a 26-7 overall record and was 10-6 in the ACC, winning its first ACC Title in history. The Tigers enter the 1998 season looking to record their fifth 20-win season and earn their fourth NCAA Tournament bid.

"Were excited about the national recognition," said head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover. "It is great to receive votes in the poll. Hopefully we can move up from there."

Hoover welcomed nine returning letterwinners and four freshmen to preseason practice last Friday. Among the returnees is Cindy Stern, a 1997 All-ACC first-team pick, who has spent the summer training with the United States National Team.

"Im really excited about preseason, so far," said Hoover. "The veterans have come back in great shape. Several stayed on campus this summer to train, and Cindy received great training with the national team."

Clemson freshmen include Jodi Steffes, a 6-1 right-side hitter from Elwood, IL, and Anne Berki, a 6-2 middle hitter out of Hinsdale, IL. Meredith Kirtland (5-11, outside hitter) comes to Clemson from Miami, FL. Rounding out the newcomers is walk-on Tammy BySura, a 5-4 defensive specialist from Chagrin Falls, OH.

"Were very pleased with how the freshmen are doing," said Hoover. "They are all making the transition very well."

Clemson begins competition on Sept. 1, playing host to Georgia in the Jervey Gymnasium at 7 p.m.

The complete USA TODAY/AVCA Coaches Poll is as follows:

     1    Penn State    1446
     2    Long Beach State    1418
     3    Southern California    1279
     4    Stanford    1210
     5    Nebraska    1204
     6    Florida    1165
     7    Wisconsin    1143
     8    BYU    1070
     9    Texas    1040
    10    UC Santa Barbara    938
    11    Pacific    886
    12    Colorado    795
    13    Ohio State    514
    14    Hawaii    508
    15    Arkansas    494
    16    Notre Dame    471
    17    Michigan State    438
    18    UCLA    399
    19    Texas A&M    386
    20    Loyola Marymount    381
    21    San Diego    331
    22    Washington State    330
    23    Washington    321
    24    Florida State    172
    25    Pepperdine     149
    
    Others Receiving Votes: Colorado State (103), Arizona (94),
	Michigan (90), Maryland (88), Georgia (72), Houston (72),
	Illinois (67), Minnesota (64), Texas Tech (52), Kansas State (49),
	Oklahoma (34), Utah (34), Oral Roberts (25), Clemson (23),
	Northern Illinois (22), South Carolina (21), Fresno State (12),
	Louisville (12), Sacramento State (11), Ball State (9),
	Oregon State (8), San Diego State (8), Central Florida (7),
	Arizona State (6), South Florida (6), Illinois State (5),
	Temple (5), Cal Poly SLO (4), Miami (OH) (3), Auburn (2).