LLCC’s volleyball program begins the season ranked No. 12 in the nation, following the 2018 campaign, which saw the team’s season end in the Elite Eight. 2015 and 2016 saw the team lose in the national title game, while 2017 ended with the team finishing third.

“It’s nice to get recognized as a top 20 program,” Coach Jim Dietz said while preparing for practice after being told of the poll. “But no one’s played one another yet. Things will start shaking out once we get past this weekend, and matches start to count.”

LLCC opens on Friday in Rockford with Glen Oaks (Michigan) who finished 2018 at 21-11.