Milan Bayless and Tiana Owens from Colgate have been recognized on the Preseason All-Patriot League Women's Volleyball Team. The Raiders are ranked second in the preseason poll, trailing only defending champions American. Head coach Ryan Baker acknowledges the respect garnered by the program but stresses the importance of focusing on performance rather than rankings. The Raiders finished last season with an 18-10 record, including a remarkable 12-0 start in league play. Both Bayless and Owens have received accolades for their contributions, signaling high expectations for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Colgate finished the 2025 season with an 18-10 overall record and 13-3 in conference play.
  • Milan Bayless led the team with 441 kills, while Tiana Owens contributed 300 kills, ranking second on the team.
State of Play
  • Colgate is set to begin the season at the Tennessee Tournament, which includes a match against No. 22 Tennessee.
  • Both Bayless and Owens are anticipated to be key players, having been recognized for their previous performances by earning spots on the Preseason All-League Team.
What's Next

The team aims to leverage their preseason recognition to fuel improvement as they prepare for a competitive season. Upcoming matches will test their abilities against ranked opponents, which is crucial for establishing their season momentum.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Bayless and Owens highlights the rising expectations for Colgate volleyball, emphasizing that with talent and determination, the team could build on last season鈥檚 success and aim for a championship run.