LOS ANGELES-- The Loyola Marymount University beach volleyball team has been ranked No. 4 in the nation, according to both AVCA and CBVB Collegiate Beach Volleyball Preseason Poll. 
 
"I don't give too much thought to preseason rankings as this is a new year and we are a different team," stated Head Coach John Mayer. "This initial ranking is probably a little more of a recognition of all our success last season. We can't wait to kick the season of with this group so we can continue our mission of growing and learning!"
 
The Lions earned the No. 4 ranking following a historic season, finishing 31-8 overall and 9-0 in the WCC. The Lions were crowned the WCC Champions and even defeated LSU and UCLA to advance to the semi-finals of the NCAA tournament.
 
The Lions prepare to face several nationally ranked opponents including top ten teams such as, No. 1 USC, No. 2 UCLA, No. 3 Florida State, No. 5 TCU, No. 6 GCU, No. 8 Cal, No. 9 LSU, and No. 10 Cal Poly.
 
The Lions will kick off their season hosting CSUN and No. 8 ranked Cal. The Lions will play No. 13 Pepperdine for their first West Coast Conference match on March 25th. In early March, the Lions will head to Baton Rouge, LA for the Tiger Beach Challenge, which will include a match with No. 9 ranked LSU.  
 
The Lions will close out their season at the WCC Championships on April 29 in Santa Monica, Calif. The NCAA Championships will be held in Gulf Shores, Ala. on May 6.