GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence volleyball team moved up four spots in the latest edition of the NAIA National Rankings to secure a place in the Top 20.

The Argos (10-2, 10-2), who were previously ranked #24, are currently ranked #20.

"I'm really pleased with the move that we made," head coach Arunas Duda said. "It reflects how well the girls have been playing lately. We're 10-2 in conference and haven't dropped a match since Rocky. That's been a good stretch and a good run for us. Being a Top 20 team in the country puts us in a good position for the postseason so we're pleased."

In normal years, the Argos would have had several non-conference games against some of the top teams as the country that they can use a measuring stick. Playing only a conference school makes it harder to compare themselves to other top teams, but Duda still believes his team can compete with anyone.

"Stats tell a true story," Duda said. "Sacha is one of the top defenders in the country, Finberg is one of the top setters in the country. Our team defense is one of the top ones in the country as well. Defensively we will match up really well with anyone. We've just been a really gritty group."

The Argos do rank near the top of the country in a handful of statistical categories. The team is ranked 3^rd in the nation in digs per game (23.7), 7^th in kills per game (14.1) and 12^th in assists per game (12.7). Individually, Sacha Legros is ranked 2^nd nationally in digs per game (7.5) and Cydney Finberg-Roberts is ranked 3^rd nationally in assists per game (11.6).

The Argos are one of two teams ranked in the Top 25. Rocky Mountain College, whom the Argos play this weekend in Billings, Mont., are ranked 17^th. Carroll, whom the Argos just swept this past weekend, were receiving votes.

"The conference has sent two teams the last two years to the National Tournament," Duda said. "The people have seen us enough that they know what kind of product we're putting out there year in and year out. They know a 10-2 Frontier team is probably a Top 20 team. We do have a nice matchup with Rocky this weekend which gives us the opportunity to move up."

The Argos and the Battlin' Bears (12-1, 11-1) will take off twice this weekend. The first match will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, with the second game occurring a 6 p.m. on Saturday.