Thursday, September 29, 2005

Off to its best start ever, Florida Atlantic is ranked seventh in the South region according to the RichKern.com/AVCA Division I Regional Computer Index Poll.

At 13-0, the Owls have had only five matches go past three games. Led by seniors Kelly Paiva on offense and Makra Condill on defense, FAU averages 15.8 kills per game, 14.6 digs per game and 2.3 blocks per game to keep opponents off the scoreboard.

Paiva is ranked fifth in the nation in kills with 5.79 per game and was named A-Sun Player of the Week three consecutive times this season. Condill was named A-Sun Librero of the Year last season and is averaging 3.87 digs per game.

FAU is tied for first in the nation in match win-loss percentage with several teams, including Maryland and Louisville. The team ranks among the top 30 in aces.

The poll takes into consideration the Rich Kern Percentage Index (RKPI) of all NCAA Division I teams, then computes each region based on the overall ranking. The RKPI mimics the NCAA RPI published at the end of the season. The index is not associated with the official NCAA Division I Regional Rankings.

South Region (Overall RKPI)
1. Florida (13)
2. Tennessee (17)
3. LSU (22)
4. Arkansas (35)
5. College of Charleston (41)
6. Alabama (49)
7. Florida Atlantic (54)
8. Middle Tennessee (56)
9. South Carolina (59)
10. Western Kentucky (62)
11. Kentucky (69)
12. Mississippi State (72)
13. Auburn (94)
14. Georgia (100)
15. Denver (110)