James and I have flooded Hammer and Rails front page today with volleyball. But when you have a team this awesome, it deserves such coverage.

Earlier today, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) released its preseason poll, and ranked Purdue #9 nation wide. This comes as no surprise, as Purdue returns with leaders such as Big Ten Player of the Year Ariel Turner, Anna Drewry, and Amanda Miller, along with the fact that the team is being led by Big Ten Coach of the Year and Classiest Man at Purdue, Coach Dave Shondell. Though Purdue may have lost Emily Ehlers, Blair Bashen and Tiffany Fisher, talented returners and freshmen are eager to fill in their voids and lead Purdue to victory.

Other notable rankings include (amount of first place votes)
#3: Penn State
#4 Nebraska (1)
#7: Illinois
#14: Washington
#16: Minnesota
#21: Northern Iowa
#23: Michigan
#24: Ohio State

Other notable teams receiving votes but not ranked (amount of votes)
Michigan State (30)
Louisville (28)
LSU (24)
Miami [FL] (13) [Just for Mrs. T-Mill]
Cincinnati (6)

Click here for AVCA's full rankings.

7 teams from the Big Ten are ranked in the Top 25, with the Pac-12 close behind with 6 teams. Purdue will certainly have a difficult schedule this season, with 2 of its non-conference opponents being ranked, along with 3 other non-conference opponents receiving votes, on top of an already difficult Big Ten schedule. However, Purdue is receiving the respect it deserves, but this also means teams are no longer going to look at the team as "Just Purdue", as the Lady Boilers will be a powerhouse this year.