Four Region Programs Receive High Praise in Preseason Polls
Charlotte, NC– With the fall sports season beginning to unfold, four Region 20 programs draw preseason rankings.
After making it to the semifinals in the Division II National Championship a season ago, the Men's Soccer program at CCBC Essex landed at the number two spot in the Preseason Poll. However, after 1-0 start with a victory over Region 20 and Division II rival College of Southern Maryland, the Knights now garner the number one spot in the country. The Knights have tacked on two more victories, boasting a 3-0 record on the young season.
The Women's Soccer program at CCBC Essex, who advanced to the National Tournament in Division II last season, also earned recognition in the Preseason Poll, with a ranking of nine. After some shuffling through Week 1, the women shifted down to 12 on the list. With a 1-1 draw to College of Southern Maryland, and a close loss to WVU Potomac State, the Knights are 0-1-1 to start the 2023 campaign.
After compiling an 18-15 record in 2022, and advancing to the Division II National tournament, the Montgomery College Volleyball program earned the 20th spot in the Preseason Rankings. Staying true to form, the Raptors have already welcomed the challenge of four matches in the opening weeks of the season. At 2-2, their losses are against a four-year opponent, and a College of Southern Maryland program that has put together an impressive 4-0 start to their 2023 season. Look forward to a competitive season of Division II volleyball in Region 20.
Butler County Community College Volleyball concludes the list of ranked Region 20 programs with a preseason ranking of 13 in Division III. Since the initial poll, Butler has compiled a 2-1 record and climbed to 11 in the polls. Butler has dominated the Division III Volleyball landscape in Region 20 and is a consistent competitor in postseason play, last making the trip to nationals in 2021.
Cross Country rankings will be announced September 6 for Divisions I and II, and September 20 for Division III. Expect CCBC Essex, WVU Potomac State, Howard, and Westmoreland to be considered in those conversations given their recent success.
For weekly poll announcements be sure to visit NJCAA.org and view rankings by sport and division.