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EVANSVILLE, Ind.--- The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team is third in the first installment of the NCAA Division II Midwest Region rankings, released Wednesday by the NCAA selection committee.
 
This is the highest ranking in program history for the Screaming Eagles, who are currently 20-6 overall, 11-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
 
USI is one of five teams from the GLVC and three from the East Division to be listed in this week's rankings. Lewis University was ranked sixth, while the University of Indianapolis was eighth.
 
Truman State University and Rockhurst University were ranked seventh and 10^th, respectively, while Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference were first and second. Northwood University was ranked fourth, while Ashland University and Hillsdale were ranked fifth and ninth, respectively.
 
Eagles to play five matches in eight days: With eight weeks of GLVC action under its belt, USI is gearing up for the final two weeks, which will be spent at the Physical Activities Center.
 
The Screaming Eagles begin a five-match homestand on Saturday at 5 p.m. when they host Maryville University, followed by a 1 p.m. meeting with the University of Missouri-St. Louis on Sunday. Next week Tuesday at 7 p.m. USI hosts Bellarmine University, before ending the week with UIndy and Saint Joseph's College.
 
Eagles receiving votes: For the first time in the program's history, USI is receiving votes in the AVCA Top 25 Poll during the regular-season. GLVC members Truman State and Rockhurst, who are tied for first in the West Division, are ranked 21^st and 25^th, respectively.
 
Current GLVC Standings: The Eagles share the number one spot in the East Division with Lewis (18-8, 11-2 GLVC). Maryville is at the bottom of the West Division with a 1-12 conference record, 8-20 overall. The Tritons of Missouri-St. Louis (14-12, 7-6 GLVC) are fourth, trailing Missouri S&T (13-13, 8-5 GLVC) in third.
 
Winter still a threat at the net. Sophomore middle blocker Abbey Winter (Germantown, Illinois), who was named the Baden/GLVC Offensive Player of the Week, still leads the conference in blocks, averaging 1.62 per set, and has helped the Eagles hold their opponents to a league-low .120 attacking percentage.
 
Winter, who also ranks fifth nationally, has racked up 133 total blocks and is just two away from breaking USI's record of 134 set by Ashley Henricks in 2006.
 
Maryville Notes: The Saints enter this week having dropped both home matches last weekend. Maryville fell to Indianapolis in four-sets and then to Saint Joseph's College, 3-2.
 
Eagles vs. Saints: USI leads Maryville, 4-0, in the all-time series.
 
Missouri-St. Louis Notes: The Tritons split conference play last week, defeating Saint Joseph's, 3-1, and then falling to UIndy in five sets.
 
Eagles vs. Tritons: Last year UMSL defeated the Eagles, 3-2, in St. Louis, Missouri, though USI leads the all-time series, 19-15.
 
Bellarmine Notes: The Knights (13-10, 7-6 GLVC) are fourth in the East Division, and host UMSL and Maryville before making their way over to Evansville for Tuesday's match. The nine-deep squad features Jaclyn Ohlmann who leads the GLVC in digs, averaging 6.60 per set.
 
Eagles vs. Knights: USI defeated Bellarmine, 3-2, back in early October and leads the all-time series, 28-11.
 
For supporting USI Volleyball: The first 100 guests through the door on Saturday will receive a USI Volleyball megaphone. On Sunday's match against the Tritons, the first 100 attendees will receive a "GO USI" foam finger.
 
Tracking this week's matches: Live statistics along with a live video feed will be available for both matches. A link is provided on the Eagles' volleyball schedule page on gousieagles.com.
 
Ticket information: Ticket prices for all USI regular-season home matches are $5 for adults (ages 18 and over) and $3 for non-USI students (ages 6-17). USI students and faculty with a valid ID as well as children ages five and under are admitted free of charge. For more information visit the volleyball tickets page on gousieagles.com.


NCAA Regional Rankings; Midwest Region

RK.	SCHOOL	Region Record	Record
1	Ferris State	16-4	18-6
2	Grand Valley State	16-1	21-3
3	Southern Indiana	18-5	20-6
4	Northwood (Mich.)	13-4	17-7
5	Ashland	17-5	18-6
6	Lewis	16-4	18-8
7	Truman	13-8	18-8
8	Indianapolis	14-5	16-9
9	Hillsdale	13-8	14-10
10	Rockhurst	20-5	21-5