MORAGA, Calif. -- After knocking off San Diego last weekend for its third win this season over a nationally-ranked opponent, the Saint Mary's volleyball team made its debut in the national rankings today.

The Gaels are ranked 25th in this week's AVCA national poll and are one of four teams from the West Coast Conference included in the rankings.  San Diego is ranked 14th this week, while BYU is listed at 18th and Pepperdine is 23rd.

Saint Mary's enters Thursday's game at longtime rival Santa Clara with an 11-9 overall record and 6-3 mark against WCC opposition.  The Gaels currently sit in third-place in the league standings, just one game behind BYU and two back of the Toreros.

Playing, arguably, one of the most demanding schedules in the country, Saint Mary's has played one-half of its schedule against teams ranked in the national top-25.  The Gaels own a 3-7 mark against nationally-ranked opposition and currently are rated 31st in the most recent NCAA ratings percentage index (RPI).

Following Thursday's match at SCU, the Gaels return home for a Saturday matchup against Bay Area rival San Francisco.  Tickets to the 1 p.m. first serve are currently on sale by clicking the tickets link on SMCGaels.com or by calling the SMC Athletic Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx (4689).  A variety of single game, group and team ticket packages are available.