Oct. 3, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland women's volleyball team is ranked number 25 in the country, according to the latest CSTV/AVCA Division One Coaches poll out today. The ranking comes after Maryland's two wins on the road as it continues its undefeated record for the 2005 season.

The Terps are 14-0 (5-0 in the ACC) and have won 20 of their last 21 games. Maryland is off to its fifth best start in program history and is one of only six teams to remain undefeated in the country. The Terrapins won the ACC Championship in 2003 and 2004.

"We've worked hard for this," noted head coach Janice Kruger. "It's nice to see some recognition. Our conference is playing tough and we hope to continue to perform and get even higher in the top 25," she continued.

As a team, the Terrapins lead in four out of the seven ACC season statistics recorded -- kills, blocks, hitting percentage and opponents hitting percentage. Maryland has 799 kills to date (16.31 kills per game and .294 for the season); a total of 169 blocks (3.45 average per game); they possess a .294 hitting percentage and keep their opponents to a .144 hitting percentage. The team has posted 748 digs (15.27 per game) and is second in assists (14.59 per game).

Senior co-captains Rachel Wagener and Stephanie Smith are leading the effort. Wagner leads the team in blocks with 163, averaging 3.33 for the year (.405). Wagner's season-high of 20 kills was against Marshall in early September. Smith leads the team in blocks with 78 (1.59 average) and had her game high of 16 against the University of Miami on September 25th.

Four players have over 120 kills for the team: Jade Brown (141), Beth Gillming (140), Maggie Schmelzle (134) and Stephanie Smith (127). Brown had a season-high 19 kills against Virginia on Saturday.

Two underclassmen have posted double-doubles this season, freshman Schmelzle has five and sophomore outside hitter Gillming has four.

Setting has been pivotal to the offense with key performances by senior Teryn Papp with 336 (6.86 average per game) and Tedi Doucet with 278 (5.67 average per game).

On defense, libero Stephanie Doiron has 187 digs (3.82 average) followed by Beth Gillming who has 160 digs (3.27 average).

The Terps go on the road for their second two-game conference series as they try and sustain their 14-0 record. Maryland faces two tough opponents when it goes against Georgia Tech (6-6, 3-1 ACC) Friday night and Clemson (8-4, 3-1) on Sunday.

The Terps return to the Comcast Center Pavilion on Friday, October 14th against Wake Forest, just prior to Maryland Madness. Admission to games is free.