Volleyball climbs to 19th in the latest AVCA Top 25 Poll

The Muskingum volleyball team moved up two spots to 19th in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 Poll that was released on Tuesday. This marks Muskingum's highest national ranking since 2000. Last week, the Muskies were ranked 21st. The AVCA Division III Top 25 Poll is selected by Division III head coaches representing the eight NCAA regions.

Muskingum is 17-2 overall with a 1-1 slate in the OAC after sweeping at the Muskingum tri-match on Saturday. The Muskies secured their 12th straight-set victory against John Carroll and spiked 22nd-ranked Wittenberg in four sets. This season, the Muskies have surrendered just 13 sets, claimed 12 straight-set victories, and recorded a 10-game winning streak. As a team, Muskingum has secured a total of 942 kills, 847 assists, 1,256 digs, 98 service aces, and 114 total blocks. The Muskies are currently ranked third in the NCAA Division III in kills per set with 14.06. Muskingum also ranks eighth in the division in team attacks per set (39.58) and 10th in assists per set (12.61). Muskingum ranks first in the OAC in kills per set (14.06), assists per set (12.64), and solo blocks (55). 

Junior Brooke Fatheree directs the Muskies with a team-best 234 kills, averaging a league-high 3.49 kills per set. Fatheree has also registered 42 assists, 258 digs, and 23 total blocks on the year. Fatheree has been named the OAC Volleyball Player of the Week twice this year for her outstanding play and unwavering determination. 

Junior Erin Dickson has registered a team-high 555 assists in 63 sets played, ranking fourth in the OAC with 8.81 assists per set. Throughout her two years for the Muskies, Dickson has logged 234 kills, 499 digs, and 97 total blocks. Dickson has also recorded 2,524 assists, making her fifth all-time in career assists at Muskingum. 

Junior Jessica Cottle anchors the Muskie backline with a team-best 326 digs, ranking fifth in the league with 4.94 digs per set. Earlier this week, Cottle was honored with Ohio Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week honors after her stellar performance against Kenyon, John Carroll, and Wittenberg. 

Junior Maddie McGee is second on the team in kills with 175, averaging 2.87 kills per set. Junior Brynn Guist has notched 155 kills, while junior Jada Briggs has locked in a career-high 118. Guist guides the Muskies with a team-best 57 blocks on the year, making her fourth in the conference with .88 blocks per set. Freshman Emma Conrad is second on the team with 173 assists, averaging 2.62 assists per set.  

The Muskies next travel to Wilmington to battle the Wilmington Quakers on Tuesday, October 8. Start time is slated for 7:00 p.m.