The Montana Western volleyball team has been ranked sixth in the Frontier Conference Women's Volleyball Coaches' Preseason Poll for 2026. Providence, the reigning champion, secured the top spot with 118 points, followed closely by Bellevue and Montana Tech. The Bulldogs collected 65 points to secure sixth place. Coaches were prohibited from voting for their own teams, ensuring impartiality in the rankings. The competition this season will allow for two automatic bids to the NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Tournament, based on regular-season and tournament performance.

By the Numbers
  • Montana Western earned 65 points, landing sixth in the preseason poll.
  • Providence topped the poll with 118 points, while Bellevue received 113 points.
State of Play
  • Montana Western finished the 2025 season with a 13-17 overall record and 11-11 in conference play.
  • Fourteen players return from the previous season, including key contributors like Kennedy Lingenfelter and Jaiden Perez.
What's Next

The Bulldogs will kick off their 2026 season on August 14 at the Our Lady of the Lake preseason tournament, competing against several teams, including OLLU and Campbellsville. This early competition will serve as a critical benchmark for their conference play.

Bottom Line

Ranked sixth, Montana Western has a solid foundation but must leverage their returning players to exceed expectations this season, especially with pivotal tournament opportunities ahead. Early performance will be crucial to their aspiration for postseason success.