INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) released the preseason polls for women's volleyball on Thursday, August 27th. Per GLVC bylaws, the preseason poll selection is determined by the conference's head coaches and restricts them from voting on their respective teams.
The Bearcats placed 11th in the 2026 preseason poll, earning 55 points, narrowly behind Missouri S&T (60) by five points. McKendree in front of 12th ranked Southwest Baptist (36), creating a sizable lead between the two teams.
Head Coach Miranda Rodriguez is returning sophomore setter Peyton Upgraft, and adding a junior transfer Madison Wojdyla to help run the Bearcat's offense. Other returners include junior middle blocker Avery Guisinger, junior outside hitter and libero Paige Parant, and sophomore outside hitter Madelyn Clarke. Rodriguez added three freshman, and two transfer offensive hitters to the roster, growing the size of the Bearcat's front row.
McKendree begins their 2026 season with a home opener at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Melvin Price Convocation Center, hosting the McKendree Invitational. The runs until Saturday, August 29th.
The full preseason poll is listed below:
2026 GLVC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. Missouri – St. Louis – 166 (11)
2. Rockhurst – 153 (2)
3. Indianapolis – 145 (1)
4. Quincy – 128
5. Maryville – 119
6. Lewis - 116
7. Truman State – 92
8. Drury – 88
9. Illinois Springfield – 71
10. Missouri S&T – 60
11. McKendree – 55
12. Southwest Baptist – 36
13. Upper Iowa – 31
14. William Jewel – 14
Read the full GLVC release HERE.
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