The Southern Oregon University volleyball team opens up 2008 ranked 12th in the today's NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll.

The Raiders return two All-Americans (senior Mia Wortel (Estacada, Ore./Estacada) and junior Lindsey Stone (Ashland, Ore./Ashland)) from last year's 26-6 team that finished the year ranked 10th, but also are without five graduated seniors.

Fresno Pacific, a team SOU hosts Friday and Saturday at McNeal Pavilion as part of the Raider Classic, is ranked No. 1 after winning the National Championship last year.

College of Idaho is the other Cascade Conference team in the Top 25, opening the season at No. 10. Oregon Tech received votes in the poll.

SOU opens the 2008 season Friday and Saturday with the first-ever Raider Classic. Fresno Pacific and Oregon Tech start the tournament Friday at Noon and will be followed by SOU and Simpson at 2 p.m. Friday night, Oregon Tech and Simpson play at 5 p.m. and SOU and Fresno Pacific will play at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Fresno Pacific and Simpson will open up play at 9:30 a.m. and SOU and Fresno Pacific will play in the final match of the day at Noon.

Top 25 Poll