FAIRMONT, W. Va. - Wheeling University and the University of Charleston were selected as the Mountain East Conference preseason divisional favorites for the 2026 season, the league announced Monday. 

The preseason poll results were compiled via a vote of the conference’s 12 head coaches.

Wheeling received six first place votes to lead the MEC North Division. The Cardinals claimed a share of the Co-MEC North Division Title last season, with an overall record of 16-14. Wheeling fell to South Division favorite Charleston in the 2025 MEC Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals, with a 10-4 mark in conference play. The Cardinals return this season with the 2025 MEC Freshman of the Year and honorable mention All-American, Camryn Matus. 

Charleston, the reigning MEC Champion additionally received six first place votes. The Golden Eagles finished the 2025 season with a record of 23-13, with a 11-4 mark in league play at the NCAA DII Atlantic Regional Championship to East Stroudsburg. 

In the north division, Wheeling is followed by Fairmont State, West Liberty, Frostburg State, Point Park and Davis & Elkins. Fairmont State earned five first place votes, finishing the season with a mark of 23-11.

In the south division, Charleston was selected before West Virginia Wesleyan, West Virginia State, Concord, Glenville State and Shawnee State. West Virginia Wesleyan earned three first place votes, while West Virginia State and Concord both earned one first place vote. 

The 2026 MEC volleyball season is set to begin with non-conference action on August 27. 

 

2026 MEC Volleyball Preseason Poll
Rank	Team (1st Place Votes)	Points
NORTH DIVISION
1.	Wheeling (6)	56
2.	Fairmont State (5)	53
3.	West Liberty	44
4.	Frostburg State	30
5.	Point Park	21
6.	Davis & Elkins	12
SOUTH DIVISION
1.	Charleston (6)	57
2.	West Virginia Wesleyan (3)	49
3.	West Virginia State (1)	42
4.	Concord (1)	34
5.	Glenville State	21
6.	Shawnee State	13

* Coaches not permitted to vote for own team