Defending champion UCLA, which comes to Hawaii the third week of the season, is ranked No. 1 and Hawaii is No. 8 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Preseason Poll released Monday.

The Rainbow Wahine play the Bruins on Sept. 9, the final day of the Verizon Challenge at Stan Sheriff Center. Hawaii’s season opens with the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational, Aug. 24-26. Sixth-ranked Stanford is in that tournament and plays UH the final night.

The Wahine open against the University of Albany (N.Y.), which won its sixth America East championship last year before getting swept by Florida State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Great Danes have players from seven states, Puerto Rico and Croatia on their roster, including Kalaheo graduate Gabby Whitworth.

Hawaii is returning to the Big West this season and is the only conference member in the rankings. Long Beach State is among those receiving votes.

The Bruins, coached by former UH associate coach Mike Sealy, received 54 of the 60 first-place votes. Second-ranked Texas, fourth-ranked Nebraska and fifth-ranked USC each received one and Stanford got three.

The Wahine ended last season fifth in the rankings, with a 31-2 record. They lost in five sets to USC in a NCAA Regional semifinal.

Tickets for individual matches went on sale this week. They can be purchased online (HawaiiAthletics.com), at the SSC Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or by calling 944-2697 during office hours.

Prices are $17 for lower-level seats, $12 for upper level, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students. UH Manoa students are free with a valid ID.