STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford men's volleyball team opens the 2017 season ranked ninth in the AVCA preseason poll, the organization announced today. It marks the 10th straight season the Cardinal has been ranked in the preseason poll.
Stanford, which tied for second in the MPSF in 2016 and held a No. 6 final national ranking, returns four starters from last year's squad, including first team All-American Evan Enriques at libero. Also back from the starting lineup are middle blocker Kevin Rakestraw, an All-MPSF honorable mention pick in 2016, redshirt senior opposite Gabriel Vega and sophomore outside hitter Jordan Ewert.
The Cardinal will open the season on Friday, Jan. 6 at the UCSB ASICS Invitational in Santa Barbara, California. Stanford will face Mount Olive and Quincy on Friday and McKendree on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Stanford's home opener, Friday, Jan. 13 in Maples Pavilion, features defending national champion and top-ranked Ohio State. The Cardinal and Buckeyes will also square off on Saturday, Jan. 14 in Burnham Pavilion. Admission to all regular season home matches is free.