INDIANAPOLIS --- For the first time in school history, the Tusculum College volleyball team is listed in the NCAA Division II South Region rankings announced officials Wednesday. The Pioneers are ranked eighth in this year's first installment of the South Region poll.

Tusculum has posted a 19-7 overall record, including a 7-1 South Atlantic Conference worksheet, which currently has the Pioneers second in the league chase.

Defending national champion Tampa holds the top spot in the poll. The Spartans are 18-0 entering this week. Florida Southern is second, followed by Eckerd and SAC front-runner Wingate. Nova Southeastern is fifth, followed by Catawba, USC Aiken, Tusculum, Lynn and Rollins.

Tusculum has a 2-1 record against teams in this week's poll. The Pioneers dropped a five-game match against Wingate (21-1) last month, but swept to five-game thrillers against Catawba (20-4).

Tusculum will face Wingate in an important conference match on Friday beginning at 7 p.m. from Pioneer Arena. Tusculum has won its last 11 matches, while Wingate has a 12-match winning streak. The Pioneers will be at region foe USC Aiken next Saturday (Oct. 20).