Wahine Volleyball: Finishes third in final poll

Hawaii finishes behind national champion USC and Stanford in final USA Today/AVCA Coaches poll which was released on Monday.

The University of Hawaii Wahine volleyball team finished third in the final USA Today/ AVCA Coaches poll which was released on Monday.

USC, which defeated Stanford for the national championship, received all 65 first place votes.

The Wahine concluded their season with a 34-2 record with both losses coming to Stanford including a season ending loss to the Cardinal in the national semi-finals.

Hawaii looks to be one of the favorites heading in to the 2003 season, returning all-Americans Kim Willoughby, Lily Kahumoku and Lauren Duggins along with starters Maja Gustin, Nohea Tano.

The Wahine will host the NACWAA/State Farm Classic in late August. The classic kicks off the volleyball season. The three other participating teams will be announced at a later date.

USA TODAY/AVCA COACHES TOP 25

2002 FINAL POLL

1-     USC (65) 31-1

2-     Stanford 32-5

3-     HAWAII 34-2

4-     Florida 34-3

5-     Nebraska 31-2

6-     Pepperdine 26-7

7-     Washington State 24-8

8-     UC Santa Barbara 30-3

9-     Northern Iowa 34-3

10- Arizona 20-12

11- Minnesota 32-6

12- North Carolina 32-4

13- Ohio State 21-11

14- Long Beach State 28-4

15- UCLA 20-14

16- Penn State 25-8

17- Georgia Tech 33-6

18- Wisconsin 24-9

19- Santa Clara 24-7

20- Missouri 26-8

21- Kansas State 21-9

22- Michigan State 21-12

23- Miami, Fla. 27-6

24- Eastern Washington 29-2

25- Temple 29-7