LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The IUP women's volleyball team returns a veteran core from a squad that advanced to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship last season under head coach Avery Moore. After establishing itself as one of the top teams in the PSAC West, IUP enters 2026 picked second in the division's preseason coaches poll.

The Crimson Hawks received one first-place vote, while defending PSAC West champion Gannon was selected as the preseason favorite with seven. IUP returns all but one player from its 2025 roster, providing Moore with an experienced group entering her second season at the helm.

All three of IUP's 2025 All-PSAC selections return in right-side hitter Jessica Neiman, outside hitter Delaney Concannon and setter Elliott Rauch. Neiman also earned first-team all-region honors following the season, while Concannon and Rauch received honorable mention recognition.

IUP finished second in the PSAC West standings last season with a 9-5 conference record. The Crimson Hawks were particularly strong at home, posting a 12-2 record in Indiana.

Consistency against the division's top teams will be a key for the Crimson Hawks as they look to take the next step in 2026. Four PSAC West teams finished at or above .500 overall last season. IUP went 3-5 in eight matchups against those programs while posting a perfect 6-0 mark against conference opponents that finished below .500.

The Crimson Hawks will begin their 2026 campaign Aug. 27 in Michigan before returning to Indiana for their home-opening Crimson Hawk Classic on Sept. 4-5.

2026 PSAC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll

First-place votes in parentheses

Eastern Division

1. Shippensburg (5)
2. Shepherd (2)
3. East Stroudsburg (1)
4. Kutztown
5. West Chester
6. Lock Haven
7. Bloomsburg
8. Millersville

Western Division

1. Gannon (7)
2. IUP (1)
3. Pitt-Johnstown
4. Clarion
5. California
6. Seton Hill
7. Edinboro
8. Slippery Rock