For the first time in school history, Padua Franciscan’s Volleyball team is ranked #1 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com (posted on September 19, 2019).
The Lady Bruins earned the distinction after stunning California’s Mater Dei and defending national champion Assumption High School in back-to-back games to win the Louisville Invitational Volleyball Tournament. The loaded 24-team event took place in Kentucky on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
Padua is also ranked #2 in country in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings, behind Redondo Union (CA). MaxPreps has two national rankings with the Lady Bruins coming in the top 10 in each ranking: #3 in their computer rankings and #8 in their Xcellent 25 writer’s ranking.
“For Padua Franciscan volleyball to be ranked number one in the United States is an extraordinary achievement. The hard work and dedication of our team, along with the winning tradition of this program has allowed our ladies to achieve this highest level. Not only are they incredible athletes with exceptional skills they are wonderful students who strive for excellence in their lives, the court, and the classroom. I cannot be more proud of these Lady Bruins. Congratulations to Coach BeHarry, his staff, and our team. This is a moment in Bruins history that we will all remember and cherish,” said Padua Principal David Stec ’86.
The Bruins are 13-0 for the season thus far.
About the Team
Padua Volleyball finished the 2018 season as Division I State Runners-Up on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Wright State University in Dayton. They lost to returning Division I State Champs Ursuline Academy from Cincinnati (25-19, 25-23, 25-23). Padua finished the season 27-2.
The Lady Bruins won Division II State Titles in 2017, 2016, 2013, 2009 and 2008.
Click here to read cleveland.com’s feature story.
