BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) has released its 2026 Volleyball Preseason Poll, with SIUE predicted to finish sixth overall in the conference with a total of 63 points, voted on by head coaches and sports information personnel from member institutions within the OVC.
Also recognized in the polls are senior middle blocker
Vienna Elliott and junior outside hitter
Sophie Robinson, who were designated as the two Cougars' players to watch throughout the 2026 campaign.
Vienna Elliot is looking to build off a strong first season with the Cougars after finishing third in the OVC in total blocks (94) and recording career highs in nearly every statistical category. Alongside Elliot,
Sophie Robinson enters the 2026 campaign following the best season of her collegiate career, having led the Cougars in points (390.5), kills (330), and service aces (39) in her sophomore season.
The Cougars will now turn their attention to the final tune-up match vs. Saint Louis this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in preparation for the Arkansas Invitational Tournament in Fayetteville, AR. (Aug. 28-29).
Predicted Order of Finish
1. Morehead State (9) - 116
2. Southeast Missouri (3) - 102
3. Southern Indiana (3) - 99
4. Eastern Illinois (3) - 98
5. Lindenwood - 77
6. SIUE - 63
7. UT Martin - 37
8. Western Illinois – 34
9. Tennessee State – 13
2026 OVC Volleyball Watch List
Hannah Hawkins, Sr., S – Eastern Illinois
Jorah Rutter, So., OPP – Eastern Illinois
Ashley Geluck, Sr., MH - Lindenwood
Dana Grib, Sr., L – Lindenwood
Courtney Fitzgerald, Sr., DS – Morehead State
Ella Warrick, Fr., OH – Morehead State
Reagan Nelson, So., OH – Southeast Missouri
Katy St. John, So., RS – Southeast Missouri
Sophie Robinson, Jr., OH – SIUE
Vienna Elliott, Sr., MB – SIUE
Audrey Small, Jr., L – Southern Indiana
Carley Wright, So., RS – Southern Indiana
Brie Blevins, Jr., MB – Tennessee State
Triniti Jackson, Fr., S – Tennessee State
Chyler Martin, So., OH/OPP – UT Martin
Luli Arcucci, Jr., MB/OPP – UT Martin
Kennedy Adair, Sr., OH – Western Illinois
Georgia Haynes, RS-Fr., RS – Western Illinois
Returning All-OVC
OPP - Katie Kopshever, Jr. - Eastern Illinois
L - Ariadna Pereles, Jr. - Eastern Illinois
RS - Autumn Bax, Jr.- Lindenwood
OH - Hollan Everett, Sr. - Morehead State
MB - Amelia Nott, Sr. - Morehead State
S - Sydney Sennett, Sr. - Morehead State
OH - Lucy Arndt, Sr. - Southeast Missouri
OH - Marin Johnson, Jr. - Southeast Missouri
S - Aysa Thomas, So. - Southern Indiana
OH - Ashby Willis, Sr. - Southern Indiana
