LINCOLN, NE -- The University of Delaware volleyball team remained in 6th place in the East Region in this week's RichKern.com/American Volleyball Coaches Association poll announced today.

The rankings, which are based on the Rich Kern Percentage Index, include teams from the Atlantic Coast, Big South, and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conferences as well as the Colonial Athletic Association.

The Hens are now the highest ranked CAA team in the RichKern poll, taking over the top spot previously held by Hofstra.

After sweeping Towson on Friday, the Hens improved to 23-4, including 8-2 in the CAA. Their 23 wins this year are now tied for the most in a season since Bonnie Kenny took over the program in 2002.

Delaware continues to lead the CAA in team hitting percentage (.248), kills (1550), assists (1403), and service aces (189). The team’s 19.51 digs-per-game average is also the highest in the league, while the Hens have held their opponents to a conference-low .141 attack percentage.

Co-captains Colleen Walsh (at right) and Megan Welch have led Delaware this season. Walsh has a conference-best 429 kills, while Welch leads the CAA with 1,242 assists.

Sophomore libero Steph Barry has also had a great year, posting 46 aces and 625 digs. She leads the conference in both categories.

Michelle LaLonde also has the highest hitting percentage in the CAA with a .324 mark. Paige Erickson, Colleen Walsh, and Katie Dennehy rank among the conference’s top ten players in that category as well.

Along with Delaware, James Madison was ranked 9th in the poll, while Hofstra fell to 10th. Northeastern, Georgia State, William & Mary, and George Mason also placed among the top-20 teams in the East.

Clemson remained in the top spot in the region, while Duke, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Virginia rounded out the top five. All five squads hail from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Delaware returns to action tonight at 7 p.m. when the Hens host Lehigh at Viera Court.

AGATE:

2007 RichKern.com/AVCA Regional Rankings - East Division (October 30): 1. Clemson; 2. Duke; 3. Georgia Tech; 4. Florida State; 5. Virginia; 6. Delaware; 7. Liberty; 8. Maryland; 9. James Madison; 10. Hofstra; 11. North Carolina; 12. Virginia Tech; 13. Northeastern; 14. Georgia State; 15. William & Mary; 16. Wake Forest; 17. Winthrop; 18. George Mason; 19. Boston College; 20. High Point.