Jan. 5, 2009

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky volleyball team added another first to their incredible 2008 season, when they finished among the top-25 nationally ranked teams in the final AVCA poll of the year. Kentucky came in with a final ranking of 22 in the coaches’ poll.

UK stayed among the nation’s top teams for each of the season’s final 10 weeks, reaching a top spot of 17 on the list. The Wildcats first entered the polls on Oct. 6, after rattling off 12 consecutive victories, including a perfect 6-0 to begin conference play.

This marks the sixth time in school history, and first time in the Craig Skinner era in which the UK team has finished in the top-25 at the end of the season. Kentucky first achieved the feat in 1983 when they tapped out in a school-best sixth place finish. The last time the Wildcats were among the nation’s best teams was in 1993 when UK ranked #12 to end the season.

The Wildcats were one of only two Southeastern Conference teams to finish among the top-25, as Sweet Sixteen member Florida was the other team to attain the honor.

In addition to the final ranking, Kentucky had a number of post-season honors to finish the season. Senior Queen Nzenwa and junior Sarah Rumely were named All-America honorable mention, as well as first team members of the AVCA All-South Region team. Sophomore Lauren Rapp and freshman Becky Pavan were honorable mention All-Region, while all four players and sophomore Sarah Mendoza were recognized on All-SEC teams. Rumely was the 2008 SEC Player of the Year.

Complete coverage of the UK volleyball team can be found at the Wildcats’ official homepage, UKathletics.com.

Final 2008 Bison/AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll