Lipscomb volleyball's incoming class earned Highest Honorable Mention recognition from PrepVolleyball.com this week in its sixth-annual collegiate recruiting class rankings.

The mention places Lipscomb's 2020 class among the top 60 in the nation. In a panel of over 100 college coaches and recruiting experts, the Bisons were ranked among the 30 programs in the highest honorable mention class. Only ahead of the purple and gold are the top 30 overall classes, ranked by the publication.

Considered in the rankings were the size and strength of each class and their ability to improve their respective program.

The Bisons class is comprised of five freshmen: Ashleigh Albert (S), Kamryn Bacus (OH), Delaney Dilfer (S), Meg Mersman (MB) and Delaney Smith (DS/L). They hail from the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and Tennessee.

"I'm really excited about this class," Lipscomb head coach Brandon Rosenthal said. "I believe this to be a well-deserved honor as each member of this class played an integral role in helping each of their high school teams to the playoffs this year. The depth of this class will help create an immediate impact in our practice sessions and ultimately play throughout the season. 

"The awards that each of these student-athletes have garnered is a direct reflection of the passion and dedication that each have shown through the high school and club careers.  Successful on the court, this class is just as talented in the classroom and the community. I am truly thankful for all the hard work that current and past staff (Nate Thompson, Rachel Ferguson, Stephanie Ross and Lauryn Hyman) have put into assembling this class."

Lipscomb's class was one of only two ASUN Conference teams recognized by PrepVolleyball to date. Liberty also joined the Bisons in the highest honorable mention class. The publication's top-30 rankings will be released throughout the remainder of the week.

"Recruiting is truly one of the most important jobs we have within the coaching world and it is a great honor to have peers recognize the time and effort spent into this process," Rosenthal said. "I am extremely excited to get all five of these student-athletes on campus and working in our gym.  I believe this group will have a major impact on LUV for many years to come."

Other programs rated in the same class as the Bisons were Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington to name a few.