June 25, 2001

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Maryland women's volleyball team has been selected to finish eighth for the upcoming 2001 ACC volleyball season, as determined by a vote of the league's nine head coaches.

Georgia Tech was tabbed the preseason favorite as the Yellow Jackets collected 80 points out of a possible 81. Following Tech, the defending ACC champion North Carolina Tar Heels were selected to finish second. After North Carolina, Duke was predicted to finish third followed by Wake Forest and Florida State, who are tied for fourth. Virginia, Clemson, Maryland and NC State round out the poll.

The Terrapins return 10 letterwinners including four starters from last season's 14-16 squad. Among the four returning starters is All-ACC candidate Carey Brennan (Smithsburg, Md.).

Brennan led the Terps in several categories last season including kills (441), attempts (1218) and digs (375). Brennan also ranked near the top in the ACC in two categories finishing third in digs per game and fifth in kills per game. A two-year starter at outside hitter for the Terps, Brennan's 441 kills in 2000 were the third-highest total ever in a single season at Maryland.

The Terrapins begin their season Friday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. against Indiana in the Hoosier Invitational. Tilts with Tennessee and Bowling Green round out the action for Maryland in Bloomington to open the 2001 campaign.

2001 ACC Coaches Preseason Volleyball Poll

1. Georgia Tech		80
2. North Carolina	67
3. Duke			54
4. Florida State	51
4. Wake Forest		51
6. Virginia		37
7. Clemson		31
8. Maryland 		21
9. NC State		13