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DWU Volleyball Ranked Third in GPAC Preseason Poll
11 Aug
Summary
- Dakota Wesleyan University placed third in the GPAC volleyball preseason poll.
- Northwestern College was picked first, followed by Concordia in second.
- The Tigers boast two All-Americans and key returning hitters.
Dakota Wesleyan University's volleyball team is set to contend for the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) crown, having been tabbed for a third-place finish in the league's preseason poll released on Monday. The Tigers accumulated 96 points, positioning them behind national runner-up Northwestern College and Concordia.
The 2026 GPAC volleyball season will feature 12 teams competing in a 16-match conference schedule. Coaches participated in the poll, but were restricted from voting for their own teams. Last season, DWU posted a 20-12 overall record, with a 10-6 mark in conference play, reaching the NAIA final site and finishing the year ranked 18th nationally.
Key to the Tigers' prospects are the returning 2025 All-Americans, including the conference's setter and defensive player of the year. They also welcome back hitters Evy Knoblock and Karly VanDerWerff, who earned all-conference consideration. DWU's season officially begins on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Our Lady of the Lake Invitational in Texas, with their home opener scheduled for September 9 against Dordt.
