NORTH CANTON, OH: The Walsh University Volleyball program was ranked preseason #1 in the G-MAC East Division. The preseason poll, voted on by the G-MAC Coaches was released on Tuesday afternoon. The number 1 spot comes on the heels of last year's East Division title where the Maroon and Gold went 20-10 and 12-4 in Great Midwest play. 

The 2026 Cavaliers are a mix of returners, transfers, and freshman. Coach Holt will rely on key returners AJ Burick, Sabrina Da Silva, McKinley Reichert, and Brynn Egbert to lead the way for the new Cavaliers.  Freshman additions include Ava Starr, Emerson Sheets, Whitney Watkins, and Cora Rickett. Transfers include Avery Budrys Rini, Maria Montseny, Madison Babinec, and Francesca Battaglia. 

"It is nice to be recognized by the league's coaches as the favorites to win the East Division.  With that being said, we have returners and new faces to the program who are going to have to step up and play a bigger role than they have had to in the past.  Our team chemistry and energy level through the first week have been great and we are getting better each session we have.  We will be tested early, as we travel to UIndy to kick off opening weekend. We look forward to the upcoming season," said 4th year head coach, Brett Holt. 

The Cavs open their season on the road, on 8/28, at the University of Indianapolis. The Women will take the court for the home opener on 9/12.