June 25, 2001

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have been selected as the favorite for the upcoming 2001 ACC Volleyball season, as determined by a vote of the league's nine head coaches.

The Jackets collected 80 points out of a possible 81, earning them the status of pre-season favorite. Georgia Tech returns five starters from last year's squad that finished tied for first in the ACC regular season. Among the returning five, are seniors Maja Pachale and Kyleen Bell, who were both first-team All-ACC selections last season, as well as sophomore Kele Eveland who is coming off her first season in which she was tabbed ACC Rookie of the Year.

North Carolina, last season's ACC Champions, are expected to finish second. The Tar Heels return five starters from a year ago including junior setter Eve Rackham and senior middle hitter Krista Buchholz.

The Duke Blue Devils are predicted to finish third after finishing the 2000 regular season tied for fifth place. The Blue Devils advanced to the ACC Championship match last year and received their first NCAA Tournament berth in five years. Five starters return to the court for Duke this season including junior outside hitter Jill Sonne who was a second-team All-ACC performer last year.

Completing the pre-season poll in order of finish is Florida State and Wake Forest who are tied for fourth, Virginia, Clemson, Maryland and NC State. Below is a listing of the pre-season coaches' poll with 2000 records and regular season finishes.

2001 Pre-Season ACC Volleyball Poll