ROCK HILL, SC -- The Winthrop University volleyball team has been given the 26^th highest RPI in the country by the website www.richkern.com.

The ranking is based on strength of schedule and Winthrop's rating is high due to the strong early opponents. "We have played a good strength of schedule thus far and we have won some important matches along the way," said Eagle head coach Joel McCartney. 

The Eagles, who hold a 12-1 record with 11 straight wins, have the highest RPI among East Region teams. They have not dropped a conference decision in 37 matches. Winthrop leads the Big South in every offensive category and also holds the 14^th best winning percentage in the nation as they stand with a .923 mark.

Winthrop will continue its schedule on Thursday as it plays its first Big South Conference match of the year at High Point at 7 p.m.

RichKern.com/AVCA Regional Rankings
using RKPI (Rich Kern Percentage Index)

East Region

1. Winthrop, 0.6369423 (26^th overall)                           

2. Maryland, 0.6147893 (36^th)     

3. Virginia Tech, 0.6098577 (42^nd)                                   

4. Florida State, 0.6067803 (44^th)            

5. Delaware, 0.6043318 (49^th)                             

6. Duke, 0.5856153 (65^th)           

7. Towson, 0.5802307 (69^th)                   

8. Georgia Tech, 0.5786462 (71^st)                       

9. Clemson, 0.5765336 (73^rd)                 

10. Virginia, 0.5679488 (78^th)