LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 2012 AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll was released Monday with the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine volleyball team ranked No. 8.
 
UH entered 2011 ranked No. 10 and closed the season with the No. 5 ranking. Defending national champion UCLA earned the top spot with 54 first-place votes. The 'Bows will take on the Bruins on Sept. 9 at the Verizon Volleyball Challenge. Stanford was ranked No. 6 and will play UH on Aug. 26 at the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational.
 
All-American Emily Hartong and all-conference players Jane Croson and Mita Uiato return, along with Kalei Adolpho. The Rainbow Wahine are a resounding favorite to win the Big West in their return to the conference.
 
Hawai'i advanced to the Honolulu Regional last season before falling to Southern California who was ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll and earned one first-place vote.





                                                                                                -UH-