KANSAS CITY – Missouri Baptist women's volleyball enters the 2026 season at No. 11 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll announced by the Association on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The Spartans sit alone as the sole member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference inside the top 25. (RV) Grand View University and (RV) Park University each begin the season on the outside looking in.
Following a successful initial season in the Heart, highlighted by a regular season and tournament championship, MBU enters year two with a new look. Heart Player of the Year and three-time NAIA All-American, Gabi Jakubowska, All-Heart First Team selection, Allana Capella, and All-Heart Third Team selection, Kassie Lee, defined a talented 2026 senior class, leaving plenty of opportunities within the program.
Heart Defender of the Year and NAIA Second Team All-American, Fernanda Perini, is a feature returner for the 2026-27 season, along with All-Heart selections Valentina Navarro and Julia Reis Pereira.
Among the most impressive returners, however, is the reigning Heart Coach of the Year, Head Coach Claire Ochs. In just two seasons leading MBU Volleyball, Ochs has notched an overall record of 58-18, two conference regular season and tournament championships, and a 3-2 record at the NAIA National Championship Tournament.
The Spartans begin the year at the Onset Invitational in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Aug. 21-22. The event includes a top 25 duel with No. 13 Indiana University Kokomo, as well as contests against Marian University, Fisk University, and Saint Xavier University.
For the full poll, click here.
