GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern's volleyball team kicked off the 2011 season with their first practice Thursday morning as the 17th-ranked team in the nation according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll.

Southwestern ended the 2010 season as the 19th ranked team with a 32-7 overall record after making their ninth appearance, sixth consecutive, in the NCAA National Tournament. Returning for their senior season are two-time AVCA All-American Honorable Mention selections middle-blocker Lindsay Thompson and setter Christina Nicholls. Joining the dynamic-duo are 16 letter-winners from last year's squad and five newcomers.

The senior laden squad opens up competition at home on September 2, facing Hardin Simmons who has been predicted to win the West in the American Southwest Conference. First serve is set for 5pm in the Robertson Center.

Defending national champion, Calvin College, earned the top spot in the poll, followed by Emory and Washington-St. Louis.

To view the entire poll, please visit http://www.avca.org/.