The Ichabod volleyball team is ready to begin the new season with the pride of carrying the rank of being 10th in the nation over from last year. The Bods have been ranked by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for the 135th straight week when the association released the preseason poll. The Ichabods are ranked second in the MIAA. In addition to such an honorary degree, Washburn went 31-6 last season, which led the volleyball team to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the 10th straight year. The list of honors continued to bring joy to the community.

The Ichabods will come together Sept. 5 to face the Southwestern Oklahoma Bulldogs in their first game of the season at the Midwestern State Classic in Wichita Falls, Texas. The team will, however, remain in Wichita Falls for another four games and keep on traveling to different cities in Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. This year, Washburn students will have a great deal of opportunities to watch an outstanding performance by the Lady Blues in Lee Arena throughout the season. A detailed game schedule is posted at www. wusports.com.

Beyond the hard-working as well as talented group of athletes, such a success can be linked to a no less exceptional Chris Herron- the head coach that has led the Washburn volleyball team to five MIAA titles and 11 NCAA tournament appearances over the past 12 years of his 13 years at Washburn. Herron is now looking to continue the streak of victories and so are his athletes.

This year, the Ichabods have only one senior, Marissa Cox. Marissa plays as a rightside hitter and has earned an honor to be on the All- America team. Shw was selected by the American Vo l l e y b a l l C o a c h e s Association and an honorable mention for Daktronics All-America as a rightside hitter. In addition, Herron recently announced the returning Kansas City native Liz Powell, Wichita State freshman defensive specialist Alyssa Carney and two transfers that are the former city and Centennial League MVPs, Erika Lane and the junior college All-American Mckenzie Hartzog.

Washburn is holding their breath in anticipation of a new season, hoping that the Women’s Volleyball team is going to further contribute to the university’s pride. The team is hoping for the support of students that has always been inspirational on their path of their success.