Tachikara-NAIA Volleyball Coaches' Preseason Top-25 | Preseason Practice Video

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Second-year Lindsey Wilson College volleyball coach Andy Cavins continues to take his program to new heights.

The Blue Raiders are ranked in the Tachikara-NAIA Coaches' Top-25 Poll for the first time, coming in at No. 20 in the preseason poll released on Tuesday by officials from the national office.

Capturing a spot in the opening rankings comes on the heels of Lindsey Wilson being named the favorite to win the Mid-South Conference championship in 2012. Georgetown (Ky.) and Campbellsville (Ky.), both receiving votes, are the other MSC teams represented.

The Blue Raiders burst onto the scene last season, posting a 31-3 record and winning the MSC Regular-Season and Tournament Championships for the first time in school history. Lindsey Wilson advanced to its first NAIA National Championship where it lost to Taylor (Ind.) in the opening round.

Six regulars in the starting lineup return this season, while six talented newcomers are providing plenty of competition for early playing time during the preseason.

Lindsey Wilson opens the season at the Lee Invitational in Cleveland, Tenn., on Aug. 24-25 where it will face Xavier (La.), Indiana Wesleyan and the hosts Flames. The Blue Raiders play their first home match on Aug. 28 against Asbury (Ky.) in Biggers Sports Center.