ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The No. 10 MoWest volleyball team will close out its 2026 regular-season home schedule this weekend with a pair of MIAA matchups at the MWSU Fieldhouse at Looney Complex.
The Griffons will host Arkansas-Fort Smith on Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. before welcoming Northeastern State on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. for Senior Day.
Saturday's contest will mark the final regular-season home appearance for six Griffon seniors, who will be recognized for their contributions to the program.
Last Time Out
The Griffons are coming off a successful road trip that featured victories over Northwest Missouri State and then-No. 15 Washburn.
MoWest opened the week with a 3-0 sweep of Northwest Missouri State on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Maryville. The victory marked the Griffons' fifth consecutive straight-set sweep of the Bearcats.
The Griffons followed with a 3-1 victory over No. 15 Washburn on Friday, Oct. 23, in Topeka. The win avenged an earlier loss to the Ichabods during the MIAA In-Season Tournament and improved MoWest to 19-3 overall and 7-1 in conference play.
The two victories extended the Griffons' winning streak to three matches heading into the final home weekend.
AVCA National Rankings
MoWest returned to the national top 10 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/Taraflex Division II Women's Volleyball Top 25 Poll, released Monday, Oct. 26.
The Griffons moved up one spot from No. 11 to No. 10, receiving 739 points in the national poll.
MoWest is one of five MIAA programs ranked in the national top 25.
MIAA Teams in AVCA Top 25
The Griffons have remained nationally ranked throughout the 2026 season, reaching as high as No. 7 in the Oct. 5 poll.
NCAA Central Region NPI Rankings
The Griffons remained No. 4 in the latest NCAA Power Index (NPI) Central Region Rankings, released Monday, Oct. 26.
MoWest held its No. 4 regional position for the second consecutive week and is one of four MIAA programs ranked among the top 10 teams in the Central Region.
MIAA Teams in NCAA Central Region NPI Rankings
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No. 2 – Nebraska Kearney
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No. 3 – Emporia State
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No. 4 – MoWest
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No. 8 – Washburn
The NCAA Power Index evaluates teams based on game results and strength of opponents, with rankings updated throughout the season.
The Griffons will look to strengthen their regional standing as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
Final Home Weekend
The Griffons return to the Looney Complex for their final two regular-season home matches of the 2026 campaign, looking to build momentum as the MIAA postseason approaches.
MoWest will open the weekend Friday evening against Arkansas-Fort Smith before turning its attention to Northeastern State on Saturday afternoon.
Both contests will count toward the MIAA standings as the Griffons continue their push for postseason positioning in the final stretch of conference play.
Senior Day
Saturday's matchup against Northeastern State will serve as Senior Day as the Griffons recognize six members of the 2026 senior class.
The group has helped contribute to the program's success, including the Griffons' 2025 MIAA regular-season co-championship and NCAA Central Regional appearance.
The six seniors being honored are:
The Senior Day celebration will recognize the student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and contributions to Griffon volleyball both on and off the court.
What's Next
Following the final home weekend, the Griffons will hit the road for a pair of MIAA matchups, traveling to Pittsburg State on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kan., before facing Emporia State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in Emporia, Kan.
