Feb. 1, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Ohio volleyball team has accepted an invitation to play in the season-opening American Volleyball Coaches Association College Volleyball Showcase to be held Aug. 25-26 in Madison, Wis.

The Bobcats, who finished 14th in the final AVCA Top 25 Poll, will be joined in the foremost preseason event by defending national champion Washington, Texas and host Wisconsin. Wisconsin finished 10th in the final poll while Texas closed the year ranked No. 16.

"It's really great for our program and for the university," Head Coach Geoff Carlston said. "For us to be going there with Texas, Washington and Wisconsin is pretty cool. It is going to be a great way to start the season. We are very excited to be a part of it this year."

Wisconsin is making its third appearance in the showcase while Ohio, Washington and Texas are all making their first showings in the event. The four teams combined for a 115-16 record in 2005.

The tournament will feature a strong collection of players highlighted by four AVCA All-American selections. Washington returns first-team selection Courtney Thompson and two-time All-American pick Christal Morrison while Texas brings back second-team honoree Leticia Armstrong and third-team selection Brandy Magee.

The Bobcats return AVCA All-Mideast Region honorable mention selections Savanah Parra (Temecula, Calif.) and Stephanie Blackburn (Cincinnati, Ohio) as well as All-MAC performers Melissa Griffin (Whitehall, Mich.) and Amanda Andersen (Lino Lakes, Minn.) and all-time digs leader Michaele Blackburn (Cincinnati, Ohio). Wisconsin brings back All-Big Ten member Taylor Reineke.

The AVCA Showcase, which began in 1995, has a strong history of participants going on to high finishes in the NCAA Tournament. In its 11 years of existence, two showcase champions have gone on to win the NCAA Championships, four finished national runner-up, four have gone on to the Final Four and one reached the Sweet 16.

"The AVCA College Volleyball Showcase continues to be the premier preseason tournament highlighting the sport on a national scope," AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer said. "And with four strong teams, I am positive the tradition will continue."

Nebraska won last year's showcase and advanced to the national championship match before falling to Washington. Penn State, Hawai'i and Stanford also competed. Penn State finished the season ranked No. 5, Hawai'i No. 9 and Stanford No.13.

The Bobcats will open this year's showcase Aug. 25 against Washington at 5 p.m. The consolation and championship matches will be played Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The AVCA is making the announcement of the showcase participants as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. On this day, thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students and parents will show their support for the cause.