Kansas University’s volleyball team came in at No. 20 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s preseason poll, released Monday.

The ranking is the Jayhawks’ first since the preseason poll began in 1982. Kansas was voted to finish third in the 2013 Big 12 Conference preseason poll.

“It’s exciting and appreciated,” KU coach Ray Bechard said of the preseason accolades. “But it goes back to us needing to focus on the task at hand and our own expectations that we set for ourselves, not what others set for us. With a veteran team, we have the opportunity for success this year, but that doesn’t come if you don’t take of business. Where we are at the end of the season means much more to me than where we are to start it.”

The Jayhawks finished the 2012 season 25th in the AVCA poll after compiling a 26-7 record (12-4 Big 12) and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

KU opens its season Aug. 30 against Central Arkansas in the Arizona Invitational in Tuscon, Ariz.