Midway through this afternoon the AVCA released the third National poll for the 2010 season. Eastern University Volleyball had climbed to a program-best 6th spot in the rankings. Later in the evening, the Eagles looked like a national power as they dispatched King's in an efficient three-set win. Eastern hit .519 and scrambled enough defensively to hold the visiting Monarchs to negative numbers for the match.

The Eagles put the pressure on from the start. Junior All-American Courtney Reinhold had six kills and an ace in a 25-8 first set win. Reinhold saw limited time in the second and third sets but still finished with a match-high 13 kills. 

The second set saw the Eagles run out to a quick 10-2 edge early and roll to a 25-8 win. First year defensive specialist Maddie Goldbach put together a string of service points to help the Eagles pull away in the middle of the set. Goldbach and fellow first years Kellee Stonsifer and Kearby Benak all put their stamp on the match. Stonesifer led all defensive players with eight digs, and Benak hit .750 with 12 kills.

Though they missed on a few more attempts, the Eagles still managed to hit .500 in a 25-11 final set win. Maria Horning, who finished with 35 assists, was able to bring the middles into the game and variety to the attack with Reinhold seeing limited action. Rachel Wenger finished the evening with seven kills on eleven swings, and Horning and Heather Kauffman combined for several impressive inside hits.

The unbeaten Eagles will have to be at their best this weekend when they will host #2 Juniata College in their third of seven games against a top 20 opponent. Eastern is one of three unbeaten squads remaining in Division III. Juniata's only loss this year is to #1 Washington University. Friday's match will begin at 7:00.

Check goeasterneagles.com for information about how you can follow the action at home.

AVCA Poll