The University of Mount Olive women's volleyball team has been ranked seventh in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll, earning 139 points. Defending champions Emmanuel topped the poll with 216 points, while Francis Marion closely followed with 215 points. The Trojans are set to return key players including Olivia Melvin, Rachel Clark, and Lyndsay Reid, who will be crucial in the upcoming season. The season's championship begins on November 6 or 7, with the finals at UNC Pembroke on November 14-15.

By the Numbers
  • Mount Olive received 139 points, ranking them seventh overall.
  • Emmanuel led the poll with 216 points and 10 first-place votes.
  • Melvin led the Trojans last season with 325 kills and 3.27 points per set.
Yes, But

While Mount Olive is ranked seventh, the team's strong returning roster could potentially challenge this preseason prediction. The top six teams have established strong performances in previous seasons, making the competition stiff.

State of Play
  • Preseason rankings are based on coaches' votes and reflect the teams' performances from the previous season.
  • The Trojans are focused on building on last year's foundation with a strong returning lineup.
What's Next

The Trojans will prepare for their season opener while aiming to improve their ranking by leveraging veteran talent and fresh strategies against tough opponents.

Bottom Line

Despite the seventh-place ranking, the University of Mount Olive has the opportunity to surpass expectations if their key players perform at their best, making them a team to watch in the upcoming season.