Volleyball world fears mighty Pacic

Tigers ranked No. 1 in nation for rst time since 1987; players hail recognition

STOCKTON, Calif. (U-Wire) - Watch out world, the Tigers are taking over.

University of the Pacific's women's volleyball team rose to the No. 1 national position in the USA TODAY/ American Volleyball Coaches Association rankings late Monday night.

This is the first time Pacific has received the top ranking since the Tigers' three-year run in 1985-'87 that resulted in two NCAA Championships.

The poll announcement was paired with senior outside hitter Elsa Steggman's recognition as the AVCA National player of the week and her fourth successive Big West player of the week honor.

Steggman is the first women's volleyball player in conference history to have received the honor in four consecutive weeks.

She is one of only four volleyball players in the conference to have received the honor six or more times in their career.

"It feels pretty good," Steggman told The Record. "I feel like we're getting the recognition that a lot of skeptical people weren't willing to give us. We earned it and we have to prove we're worthy of it."

Steggman was also named the tournament MVP after Pacific claimed the

Shamrock Invitational title hosted by Notre Dame last weekend, improving their record to 5-0.

In the Tigers' first weekend of play, they claimed the State Farm/NACWAA Tournament Title with victories over Nebraska and Florida.

In the five-year history of the tournament, every champion has either won the NCAA title or claimed second place in the nation.

"I think people can expect to see a good, solid team," Steggman told The Record. "That's what we've been working on and I believe that's our foundation."

The Tigers opened their home schedule last night at the Spanos Center in the opening match of the Pacific Nike Invitational.

09-10-99