TOWSON, Md. - The Wilkes University women's volleyball team was selected tenth in the 2026 Landmark Preseason Coaches' poll as announced by the conference office Tuesday afternoon. 

The Colonels enter the season under new leadership as Zach Shay '24 takes over the position of head coach. In 2025, Wilkes finished 15-16 overall and 2-7 in Landmark Conference play. 

Juniata College secured their 18th straight Landmark Conference title last season and was the unanimous favorite to repeat this season. The University of Scranton was selected second with 73 points and one first-place vote, followed by Catholic University in third with 60 points. For fourth place, Susquehanna University tallied 54 points while Elizabethtown College (48 points), Moravian University (47 points), and Drew University were selected fifth through seventh respectively. 

Lycoming College scored 24 points for eight place in the poll followed by Goucher College at ninth with 15 points and Wilkes University in tenth with 14 points. 

Wilkes opens the 2026 campaign against Albright College in the Marts Center on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. Landmark play begins on Friday, October 2 away against Scranton University at 6:00 p.m. 

2026 Landmark Conference Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. Juniata: 81 points (9)
2. Scranton: 73 points (1)
3. Catholic: 60 points
4. Susquehanna: 54 points
5. Elizabethtown: 48 points
6. Moravian: 47 points
7. Drew: 34 points
8. Lycoming: 24 points
9. Goucher: 15 points
10. Wilkes: 14 points