Missouri Baptist women's volleyball is starting the 2026 season ranked No. 11 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, making them the only team from the Heart of America Athletic Conference in the rankings. The Spartans aim to build on a successful inaugural season in the conference, which included a regular season and tournament championship. Key returning players include All-American Fernanda Perini and the reigning Heart Coach of the Year, Claire Ochs, who has a remarkable coaching record of 58-18 in two seasons. The team will kick off its season at the Onset Invitational in Fort Wayne, Indiana, facing off against several notable opponents, including No. 13 Indiana University Kokomo.

By the Numbers
  • MBU finished the previous season with a record of 58-18 under Head Coach Claire Ochs.
  • They secured both the regular season and tournament championships in their inaugural year in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
State of Play
  • MBU is the only team from their conference ranked in the NAIA Top 25.
  • The Spartans have several returning stars from last year's successful roster, with key standouts in various positions.
What's Next

The Spartans will begin their season at the Onset Invitational on Aug. 21-22, looking to establish their presence against ranked opponents. Their performance against teams like Indiana University Kokomo will be crucial for building momentum moving forward in the season.

Bottom Line

Staying competitive against ranked opponents and maximizing the talents of returning players will be essential for MBU to maintain their Top 25 ranking and achieve further success in the upcoming season.