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The Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball program has officially soared to new heights.

The Eagles, ranked second in Division II's South Region, popped into the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Top 25 poll — which was released on Tuesday — for the first time in two years of fielding a team. FGCU (24-2), which had been getting the most votes among non-Top-25 teams in the AVCA poll, finally slipped in at No. 25 after netting 15 straight matches, the latest a 3-0 sweep of Augusta State University last Saturday.

Coach Jaye Flood, who had been miffed at the non-ranking, said the Eagles, who won, 3-1, at defending national champ Barry University this season, "are pleased to be recognized nationally by the AVCA."

Nebraska-Kearney (27-1) remains atop the AVCA poll, followed by Hawaii Pacific (20-1) and the University of Tampa (21-2).

With a 13-1 South Region record, the Eagles rank behind only Tampa, which is undefeated in regional play.

Last season, FGCU went 24-6 and reached the Division II semifinals, where the Eagles fell to North Florida University, now a Division I school.

Tuesday night's match at Lynn University was postponed because of problems with the Boca Raton facilities in the wake of Hurricane Wilma. Friday night's game against hard-hit Nova Southeastern at Alico Arena also has been postponed.

The Eagles host Ashland University (22-6) at 7 p.m. on Saturday.