Aug. 19, 2003

After beginning the 2002 season with an 11-3 record, the Lions struggled with injuries and concluded the season 15-12. But with the return of some key talent, Head Coach Steve Stratos and the Lions believe they will once again have one of the nation's top programs, as the Lions earned nine points in the USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 Preseason Poll released on August 11.

In addition to its listing, five of LMU's 2003 opponents were ranked in the top 25 and an additional two received points. The Lions face No. 2 Hawaii on Friday, September 19, and host No. 9 UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday, September 2. The Lions will face No. 19 Washington State when they travel to the Washington State Invitational on September 12-13. LMU will also see No. 5 Pepperdine and No. 14 Santa Clara twice in West Coast Conference action later in the season.

Points-getter Eastern Washington, who ended the 2002 season ranked No. 24, will travel to face the Lions in the LMU Four Points Sheraton Volleyball Classic on September 5-6. WCC opponent San Diego also received points in the poll.

The Lions open the 2003 season with the LMU Furama Hotel Invitational on August 29-30. The tournament features UNLV, Sacramento State, and West Viriginia.

--GO LIONS--