The William Smith volleyball team is receiving votes in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll. The Herons received four votes in this week's poll, marking the first time in program history that William Smith has been recognized on the national stage.
 
The Herons are 6-2 to start the season and are coming off back-to-back five set victories over Gettysburg, which is also receiving votes, and St. John Fisher on Saturday during the Heron Tri-Match. Saturday's wins over the Bullets and the Cardinals mark three-straight five-set wins this season, including two over opponents receiving votes in the national poll.
 
The strong start to the season has William Smith ranked nationally in several statistical categories. The Herons lead the Liberty League and rank 20th in the nation in assists per set (12.39). They also rank 24th nationally in kills per set (13.23). Additionally, William Smith ranks second in the conference in points per set (16.35) and digs per set (16.42). The Herons sit third in the league in team hitting percentage, combing for a .194 hitting percentage.
 
Junior outside hitter Malya Sayre leads the Liberty League in points per set (4.73) and kills per set (4.00). Sayre ranks fifth in the conference in service aces per set (0.65) and eighth in digs per set (3.19). Classmate Hope Von Dohlen sits sixth in the league in kills per set (3.03), seventh in points per set (3.32) and 10th in hitting percentage (.260).  
 
First-year setter Delainy Williams has had an exceptional start to her William Smith career with four double-doubles. Williams leads the Liberty League and ranks ninth in the nation in assists per set (10.65). She also ranks 10th in the conference in service aces per set (0.55).
 
Defensively, the Herons are led by first-year libero Kali Vanderhoof and middle blocker Arielle Newsome. Vanderhoof ranks fourth in the conference in digs per set (4.23), while Newsome comes in at sixth in blocks per set (0.77).
 
William Smith will be back in action this weekend, Sept. 20-21, when it travels to Hoboken, New Jersey, to compete in the 2024 Stevens Institute Tournament. The Herons will open up action against Montclair State on Friday at 5 p.m. in Canavan Arena.