LAKE MILLS, Iowa — It took the Lake Mills volleyball team an entire season to earn respect in the Iowa state rankings last year. This season it didn’t take a match.

The Bulldogs were ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A rankings released Wednesday by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

“That’s high,” Bulldogs coach Jim Boehmer. “My personal opinion is that it’s a little too high. We haven’t done anything to deserve that yet.”

The Bulldogs entered the 2010 season unranked and peaked at No. 6 in the final rankings despite winning 43 of 44 regular season matches.

Boehmer said he didn’t mind flying under the radar and said the team played with a chip on its shoulder because of the lack of statewide attention. Now Boehmer said the Bulldogs have a target on its back.

“We have to play to back it up,” the 20-year head coach said. “Who doesn’t want to knock of a high-ranked team? That makes the whole season for some people.”

The Bulldogs graduated five players from last season’s team which finished runner-up to Western Christian in the Class 2A State Tournament. The team returns reigning North Iowa Conference Player of the Year, setter Morgan Fjelstad, and All-Conference left-side hitters Josie Brackey and Shelby Kuper. Brackey was named the Tribune’s Player of the Year last season.

Boehmer said he’s “humbled” by the state ranking.

“But probably more scared than flattered, though,” he said. “We have to be ready and can’t waver. We’re going to get other teams’ best efforts every night.”

The Bulldogs begin protecting their No. 3 ranking at 7:30 p.m. tonight against Riceville in its season opener in Lake Mills.

Iowa Class 2A volleyball rankings

1. Western Christian

2. Grundy Center

3. Lake Mills

4. Dike-New Hartford

5. Mediapolis

6. Pella Christian

7. Sumner-Fredericksburg

8. Sheldon

9. Clarinda

10. Mount Vernon

11. Sioux Central

12. Unity Christian

13. West Branch

14. West Liberty

15. Gilbert