FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team has been picked to finish third in the Mountain East Conference North Division in the 2026 MEC preseason poll, as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.

The Hilltoppers received 44 points in the preseason voting, placing them behind North Division favorite Wheeling and Fairmont State.

West Liberty is coming off an 18-13 season that included a 10-4 record in MEC play and the program's first MEC North Division championship under third-year head coach Makenzy Johnson. The Hilltoppers return a strong core from last year's division championship squad while welcoming a group of freshmen and transfers as they look to build on last season's breakthrough.

Wheeling was selected first in the North Division with 56 points and six first-place votes, followed by Fairmont State with 53 points and five first-place votes. West Liberty was third with 44 points. Frostburg State was fourth with 30 points, followed by Point Park with 21 and Davis & Elkins with 12.

In the South Division, Charleston was selected first with 57 points and six first-place votes. West Virginia Wesleyan was second with 49 points, followed by West Virginia State (42), Concord (34), Glenville State (21) and Shawnee State (13). West Virginia Wesleyan received three first-place votes, while West Virginia State and Concord each received one.

Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

2026 MEC Volleyball Preseason Poll
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

The Hilltoppers open their season on August 28 in the University of Indianapolis Invite against Saginaw Valley State.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.