Irvine, Calif. -- Junior Francesco Sani and sophomore Hilir Henno were selected to the first-ever Big West Men's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Team.

The Anteaters were two of seven players named to the inaugural team.

Last year, the duo were honored as American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I-II All-America honorable mention as well as first team All-Big West.

Sani was second in the Big West and seventh nationally in kills (4.19), ninth in points (4.83) and 11^th in attack attempts (8.72) per set in 2022. He recorded kills in double figures 24 times, including the last 15 matches. He pounded 20 or more kills eight times, recording a career-high 28 kills against UC San Diego, which was second most by a Big West player in 2022. The outside hitter was named Big West Player of the Week on Apr. 11.

A year ago, Henno ranked ninth in the country in aces with a 0.51 mark, ending the year in 10^th in the UCI season records with 45.  He had a career-high six aces versus Long Beach State, which was tied for third most by a conference player. The opposite ranked fifth in the Big West in points (4.27) and was seventh in kills (3.43) and digs (1.66). The lefty posted kills in double-digits 17 times, including a career-high 22 against Stanford. He was named Big West Freshman of the Week five times as well as Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week once this season.

The Anteaters were selected third in the Big West Preseason Coaches' Poll, picking up a first place vote. Hawaii topped the list with 25 points and the other five first place votes. Long Beach State was second with 19 points followed by UCI with 17. UC Santa Barbara (13), CSUN (10) and UC San Diego (6) round out the poll.

UCI will face the University of British Columbia Okanagan in an exhibition match on Jan 2 at the Bren Events Center starting at 5:00 p.m. before officially kicking off the season against Lewis in Provo, UT on Jan. 6.