Volleyball opens ’09 season today with high hopes

Baylor volleyball will begin the 2009 season today at a tournament in Houston looking to build on the team’s best record in nearly a decade. Head coach Jim Barnes’ squad returns a pair of first-team All-Big 12 selections from last fall and adds to that the second-highest-ranked signing class in program history; that combination has the Bears receiving votes in the preseason AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll.

Seniors Taylor Barnes (pictured) and Anna Breyfogle will again lead the squad; Barnes, a setter, begins the year fourth in Baylor history in assists and service aces, while Breyfogle, a middle blocker, has led the Big 12 in blocks per set two years running. They’re joined by a group of incoming freshmen that was ranked 14th in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. Headlining the newcomers is 2008 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year Torri Campbell, the nation’s No. 30 high school prospect a year ago.

Baylor volleyball fans have plenty of ways to keep up with the team this year. BaylorBears.com will feature not only the usual game previews and stories, but also live play-by-play of most games. Additionally, fans can follow the program on  Twitter (@BaylorVBall).

Sic ’em, Baylor volleyball!