Volleyball Re-Enters Receiving Votes in Final Regular Season Poll

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland women's volleyball re-entered the receiving votes category in the final regular-season edition of the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday by the national office.

The Phoenix (24-13, 6-5 MSC) return to the national conversation after posting 24 wins this season with a fourth-place finish in the Mid-South Conference standings. Cumberland enters postseason play with 21 total points in the poll, one of three MSC programs recognized, joining No. 10 Cumberlands (Ky.) and Lindsey Wilson also receiving votes.

Eastern Oregon climbed back into the top spot this week, reclaiming No. 1 from Providence (Mont.) as conference tournament play ramps up across the country. The top 10 teams all remain the same with a little shuffling. Northwestern (Iowa) checks in at No. 3 followed by Concordia (Neb.) and Corban (Ore.)

The Phoenix rank among the NAIA's top statistical performers in several categories, including 300 service aces (25th nationally), 272 total blocks (7th), and 2,247 digs (1st in the MSC). Cumberland averages 11.62 kills, 11.04 assists, and 16.17 digs per set on a .190 hitting percentage this season.

The Phoenix are set to take on 5-seed Bethel on Wednesday at noon with the winner advancing to the semifinals to face 1-seed Cumberlands.

Conference tournament champions will be decided by Saturday, Nov. 15, with NAIA National Championship qualifiers announced Monday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. CT on the NAIA YouTube page.

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