June 3, 2009

WACO, Texas - The Baylor volleyball incoming freshman class was ranked 14th in the nation according to PrepVolleyball.com, the website announced on Wednesday.

The ranking is the second-highest in Baylor program history. The 2000 recruiting class was ranked third overall. The freshman class of 2006 ranked 16th overall, while the 2007 and 2008 freshman classes were ranked in the Top 40 overall.

"We are honored to have this class ranked as the 14th best in the country," said head coach Jim Barnes. "They are great students, athletes, and high character individuals. They will help our program continue to move forward and compete at the top of the Big 12. This is our fourth-straight ranked recruiting class and it is the highest ranking for our current coaching staff. I want to thank my associate head coach Bryan Bunn and assistant Candice O'Brien for their hard work and help in putting this class together."

The class ranks as the second-best in Texas and the fourth-highest in the Big 12 Conference. Last season Baylor finished with an 18-13 overall record, including a 9-11 mark in league play.

Headlining the group is 2008 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, Torri Campbell, who has emerged as one of the top middle blockers in the country this season. Outside hitters Zoe Adom and Kiley Sherman round out the freshman class.

In addition, Baylor also signed transfer middle blocker Elizabeth Graham who arrives to the program after two years at Texas. Transfers and foreign athletes are not included in team rankings.

"Elizabeth Graham is a transfer and wasn't considered in the rankings," said Barnes. "She is a 6-2 physical middle blocker and she will also have a big impact on our team. We look forward to having all of them on our team this next season."

Baylor opens the season on Aug. 28 at the Houston Invitational as the Bears face New Orleans.