By JESSI MOLINENGO

Coming off a successful preseason, the BYU men's volleyball team is locked and loaded for a strong performance in 2009.

The Cougars, who finished 25-5 last season, are ranked ninth in the American Volleyball Coaches Association's most recent preseason poll. The team also won the BYU Tournament after wins over UC Irvine, Utah Valley University and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. In November, the team posted wins over USC and Hawaii.

When asked about the team's ranking in the recent AVCA poll, Shawn Patchell, head coach of the BYU men's volleyball team, said he thought it was deserved.

"We lost five seniors," Patchell said. "We have to prove ourselves, but I'd rather be looking up."

The Cougars return only four starters this season. Nevertheless, combined with seven new additions to the team, the Cougars are ready to go.

"We have many new guys on the team," junior libero Joel Silva said. "I think it'll be a tough start. Once we get used to it, it'll be easier to play better."

Though the team lacks experience, the coaching staff is confident the players' training in combination with good matches in the fall has provided enough practice for a strong start to the 2009 season, Patchell said.

"I think there's a lot to learn when you make the jump from high school or from a mission to our team," assistant coach Rob Neilson said. "We just have a really nice group of guys and [our success] will be kind of a team effort."

At outside hitter, team co-captain Andrew Stewart is back after a strong finish to the 2008 season. He ended the season ranking fourth on the team in kills.

"Andrew can be a go-to guy," Patchell said. "He was definitely our go-to guy against UC Irvine."

Stewart led the team in that game with 24 kills.

At opposite, juniors Mat Taylor and Kent Tuttle return. Taylor started three matches in 2008 and Tuttle had a strong showing in this year's BYU tournament, Patchell said.

Dominating the net at middle blocker is Futi Tavana, who moved to the position from outside hitter early in the fall. Tavana was named the Most Valuable Player of the BYU tournament, leading the Cougars with five blocks against UC Irvine in the final match.

"Futi is looking very good," Patchell said. "He could be a dominant player once he learns the position."

At setter, co-captain Reed Chilton returns to quarterback the team. Chilton played in 24 of the team's 30 matches last season and finished with 599 assists. Patchell said that the team's offensive game plan is to spread the ball around as much as possible.

Joel Silva returns for his junior season as BYU's libero after an appearance in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with the Venezuelan Senior National Team. He was also ranked among the nation's top 20 in digs and digs-per-game.

The Cougars will face many of the nation's top volleyball teams as a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation but Patchell said the schedule is in their favor.

"We love our schedule," Patchell said. "We like odd years. All those banners [that hang in the Smith Fieldhouse] were won in odd years."

The Cougars are on the road this weekend to play in the 45th Annual Elephant Bar Restaurant Collegiate Invitational hosted by UC Santa Barbara.

In reference to this weekend's tournament, Patchell said it would be great exposure and a good way to measure their progress so far. Seeded third, the Cougars will play No. 8 Stanford in the first round on Friday at 1 p.m. PT.

"Last time we played Stanford, they beat us on our own court," Patchell said. "And I've reminded the guys of that."

Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Jan 2009