The weather may be getting cooler but things are heating up at the Chaifetz Pavilion. For the first time in its 33-year history, the women’s volleyball program is nationally ranked. The team was voted No. 25 in the latest coaches’ poll.

“When I look at the other teams out there, I think we have one of the top 25 teams because of the kids we’ve brought in here,” head coach Anne Kordes said. “We’ve been fortunate to have this team on the floor, and they’ve learned by doing. It’s the kind of thing players dream about.”

Saint Louis University received the ranking after winning 12 of the last 13 matches and going 7-0 in conference play thus far. The Billikens have faced seven teams that received votes in this week’s poll, including four among the nation’s top 19.

The Bills overpowered Atlantic 10 opponent Duquesne Oct. 16, 3-0. Junior Sammi McCloud led both teams in kills with 13 and added eight digs. Bridget Fonke, also a junior, followed closely with 10 kills, seven digs and a match-high four blocks.

Lately the team has been firing on all cylinders. The last time it saw defeat was more than a month ago against No. 1 Penn State. Since then, the Bills have defeated teams that included Rhode Island, Fordham and Southeast Missouri State. On the season, SLU is hitting .243, has registered fewer than 400 errors and averages 14.3 digs per set.

“I’m happy that we’ve stayed tight, though we need to be stronger in the defense,” Kordes said. “We have to handle the ball on our side and be able to terminate.

“It’s fun to see this team take care of business. They are doing their job. They are performing like the veterans they are, regardless of the opponent.”

For the A-10 Conference, all roads converge in the Gateway City this weekend, as the Bills host Xavier and Dayton. All three teams are undefeated in conference play.

“Our ranking and performance has been an intimidation to other teams, but that’s not going to matter to Dayton and Xavier,” Kordes said. “They know they can get us because they have before. We have to respect them for who they are.”

Kordes said this weekend will be the most exciting for the Bills this season. With the A-10 Tournament looming, the team that walks away without any losses will have the mental advantage heading into the postseason.

“We will need to spread our offense, pass the ball, and stay quick on defense,” Kordes said. “I’m feeling good. I think we’re ready, excited to be home. We are excited for the rivalry. We’ve been licking our lips, waiting for the big one.”