Freshman sensation exceeding expectations with Cal Poly volleyball

Posted: Aug 31, 2010 5:36 PM by Andrew Masuda
Updated: Aug 31, 2010 8:47 PM

Cal Poly freshman living up to hype for Mustang volleyball

Excitement is back within the Cal Poly volleyball program.

After last year's 9-20 season, the Mustangs finished just
outside the top 25 in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. With a 2-1 overall record after the first week, Cal Poly received 31 votes in this week's poll and finished 29th in the nation.

The Mustangs started the season by taking two out of three at a tournament hosted by Notre Dame. They upset the then #18 ranked Arizona Wildcats in five sets in the season opener. A big reason for the early success is freshman sensation Kristina Graven. The freshman outside hitter leads the team with 46 kills.

Graven says she feels right at home with the Mustangs. "I'm really happy with my choice. I've enjoyed everything. It was great beating Arizona. I really enjoy it here. I think it's definitely the right place for me," said Graven.

Cal Poly's first athlete of the week of the 2010-2011 school year, Graven is the highest ranked recruit to ever sign with Cal Poly since Jon Stevenson became the head coach six years ago. Stevenson has said in the past that Graven could set nearly every Cal Poly record by the time she graduates. Coaches say Kristina is the real deal and already exceeded their expectations. "It's fun having Kristina as a freshman because I think she has what it takes to bring us to that next step and take this program to the next level and back to where it was in the national rankings a few years ago. So we're excited," said second year assistant coach Caroline Walters.

Cal Poly returns to action this Friday when it opens the Nike Invite in Provo, Utah. The Mustangs will play host BYU on Friday and then #7 ranked Nebraska on Saturday.