The Marquette Golden Eagles volleyball team's ranking has taken a minor hit in the AVCA poll, slipping slightly from their previous position. But is this a cause for concern or just a temporary setback?
Andrew Fleck, the seasoned sports journalist and Site Manager at Anonymous Eagle, brings us the latest on Marquette's performance. Fleck, a dedicated Marquette basketball fan and season ticket holder, has been covering the Golden Eagles' sports scene since 2011. His expertise provides valuable insights into the team's recent matches.
Here's the deal: Marquette was hovering just outside the AVCA top 25 last week with a mere 15 points. But after needing four sets to defeat lower-ranked opponents Seton Hall and St. John's, the team's performance raised some questions. And this is where it gets interesting: despite Marquette's RPI remaining unchanged, their point total in the AVCA poll dropped by five points!
The Golden Eagles now find themselves at 10 points in the latest rankings, sandwiched between Iowa State and Western Kentucky. This positions them as the unofficial 30th best team in the nation. But is this a fair assessment?
Looking at their schedule, Wisconsin remains the top-ranked opponent Marquette has faced this season, despite dropping from #7 to #9 this week. Creighton maintained their position at #13, while Minnesota slipped to #18. Florida, sitting just outside the rankings, gained traction but still has a ways to go to crack the top 25.
Marquette's upcoming matches against Xavier and Butler could be pivotal. The Xavier match is particularly noteworthy as both teams are currently tied for second place in the league. With the game scheduled for Friday at 7 pm Central on ESPN+, the stakes are high. The Butler match follows on Saturday at 6 pm Central, also on ESPN+.
So, what's the verdict? Is Marquette's slight ranking drop a blip on the radar or a sign of bigger issues? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to follow Anonymous Eagle for more sports insights!
