Perfect start moves Baylor volleyball into top 25

Even after their bye week, Baylor football continues to receive votes in this week’s AP Top 25 poll. Baylor volleyball, however, has gone one better, breaking into the top 25 after beginning the season a program-record 11-0!

Head coach Jim Barnes’ team received votes in this season’s first three AVCA polls before jumping to No. 24 this week, thanks in part to wins over Purdue (then ranked No. 24) and Pitt (previously receiving votes). The Bears are among the top 25 for the first time since 2001, but the ranking will be put to a stiff test Wednesday as Baylor travels to Austin to face No. 2 Texas. The match will be nationally televised on ESPNU at 6 p.m.

With the Bears earning a spot in the top 25, 14 of Baylor’s 18 varsity sports have now ranked among the nation’s top 25 during the last 12 months. The rundown, with the team’s highest rank in parentheses: equestrian (1st), women’s basketball (3rd), women’s tennis (3rd), baseball (5th), men’s tennis (5th), men’s golf (7th), men’s outdoor track & field (7thj), women’s outdoor track & field (8th), men’s indoor track & field (10th), women’s indoor track & field (15th), men’s basketball (19th), women’s cross country (19th), softball (24th), and now volleyball (24th).

Sic ’em, Baylor volleyball and all of Baylor athletics!