SILVER CITY, NM - Western New Mexico University volleyball is ready to turn the page and begin a new season as the Mustangs prepare to compete in the 2026 campaign.

The Lone Star Conference announced its 2026 preseason volleyball poll on Thursday, with WNMU selected 14th in the conference with 287 points. The preseason poll is voted on by LSC head coaches, sports information directors and media members.

While the preseason poll provides an early look at how the conference views the upcoming season, the Mustangs will have their opportunity to make their mark once the season gets underway. WNMU enters the year focused on building throughout the season and competing against one of the nation's strongest Division II volleyball conferences.

A key piece of the Mustangs' 2026 roster is senior middle hitter Brynlee Barris, who was selected to the LSC Preseason Players to Watch list on the offensive side. Barris, a Biology major from Winslow, Arizona, represents one of the young pieces WNMU will look to build around this season.

WNMU also has sophomore middle hitter Daphne Posthumus (Lelystad, Netherlands/CCNV Harderwijk (Netherlands)) named to the conference's defensive Players to Watch list. Posthumus, a Biology major from Lelystad, Netherlands, gives the Mustangs another returning presence as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.

Sophomore setter Kiarra McDuffie rounds out WNMU's representation on the preseason Players to Watch list. The Aubrey, Texas, native is expected to play an important role in directing the Mustang offense and helping establish the team's rhythm on the court.

The Mustangs will compete in an LSC field featuring 18 teams, with every program eligible to compete for the regular-season championship and a spot in the conference and NCAA Division II postseason tournaments. The LSC Championship is scheduled for Nov. 11-14 at the site of the No. 1 seed.

For WNMU, the preseason ranking is simply the starting point. With a new season ahead, the Mustangs will look to establish their identity, build chemistry and compete one point at a time as they begin their pursuit of a successful 2026 campaign.

The season begins Aug. 22, giving WNMU the opportunity to turn preparation into performance and write its own story on the court.
 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).