ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western volleyball team is back in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top 25 poll after a 4-0 start to the 2018 season.

Missouri Western reached No. 21 in the first regular season version of the poll. After finishing the 2017 season at No. 25, the Griffons debuted as the top team receiving votes outside the top-15 in the AVCA Division II Preseason Poll. A 4-0 weekend with four sweeps of teams with winning 2017 records at last weekend’s Illinois Springfield Capital Classic vaulted MWSU up to No. 21 in the poll. Stephanie Doak, Lauren Murphy and Rachel Losch were named to the Capital Classic All-Tournament Team.

The Griffons head to the Colorado Premier Challenge this weekend where they’ll open the prestigious event at No. 10 Regis. Missouri Western’s entry into the top 25 left seven of the 12 teams in this weekend’s pool-play style tournament ranked in the poll. Three others were receiving votes, including the Griffons Friday afternoon opponent, Angelo State.

— MWSU Athletics —