Volleyball Receives Votes in Latest NAIA Women’s Volleyball Coaches’ Top 25

LEBANON, Tenn.--Movement defined this week's edition of the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, released by the national office on Wednesday morning.

Only four programs held their ground from the previous ranking, while Eastern Oregon once again claimed the nation's No. 1 spot with all 19 first-place votes.

The Mountaineers (16-0) remain one of just two undefeated teams in the poll and have dropped only six sets all season, while Concordia (Neb.) held steady at No. 2 behind a six-match win streak. Providence (Mont.) surged to No. 3, marking the highest national ranking in program history. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Wesleyan continued its rapid climb, breaking into the Top 5 for the first time, and Cumberlands (Ky.) cracked the Top 10 at No. 10 after remaining unbeaten through 17 matches.

Cumberland University appeared among the teams receiving votes for the third-consecutive poll. Cumberland (19-7, 3-0 MSC) has strung together three straight wins, including back-to-back Mid-South Conference victories over Freed-Hardeman and Georgetown, to generate national attention.

The Phoenix have leaned on a balanced attack and strong defensive presence, ranking No. 36 nationally in service aces per set (2.18), No. 43 in blocks per set (2.05), and No. 40 in hitting percentage (.204). Sophomore outside hitter Lila Cade has been a consistent force on the pin, averaging 2.95 kills per set at a .267 clip. She has accumulated 292 kills to rank fourth nationally in the category. Senior middle blocker Hazel Konkel ranks among the NAIA leaders in efficiency with a .371 hitting percentage, 24th-best in the NAIA, and 91 total blocks on the season, fourth best.

Defensively, senior libero Morgan Snead anchors the back row with 3.35 digs per set and 322 digs on the season, 21st-most in the NAIA. Freshman setter Carlee Rogers has provided both distribution and scoring punch dishing out 588 assists (6.0 per set) while adding 123 kills and 46 total blocks.

Cumberland has displayed balanced numbers with six players averaging better than a kill per set and four with over 100 digs. The Phoenix also boast a perfect 4-0 mark at home, an 8-2 record on the road, and a 7-5 record in neutral-site contests.

The Phoenix return to action on Saturday, Oct. 4, when they host No. 10 Cumberlands (Ky.) in a pivotal MSC matchup.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel: MH; 6' 2"; Junior

#22 Morgan Snead: DS; 5' 6"; Junior

#32 Lila Cade: OH; 5' 10"; Freshman

#1 Carlee Rogers: S/RS; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#9 Hazel Konkel
: 6' 2"; Junior
: MH

#22 Morgan Snead
: 5' 6"; Junior
: DS

#32 Lila Cade
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: OH

#1 Carlee Rogers
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: S/RS