ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington Volleyball has earned a spot in the AVCA/Taraflex Division II Coaches Poll, checking in at No. 21 in the latest national rankings released Monday after a perfect opening weekend at the CWU Volleyball Invitational.
 
The Wildcats opened the 2026 campaign with a 3-0 record, sweeping San Francisco State and Point Loma before closing the weekend with a four-set victory over Chaminade. CWU dropped just one set across the three matches while showcasing a balanced attack and strong defensive play throughout the tournament.
 
Central began the season with a convincing 25-18, 25-20, 25-17 sweep of San Francisco State behind 13 kills from Corinne Westby and 21 digs from Brooklyn Parker. The Wildcats followed with another straight-set win over Point Loma, overcoming a physical Sea Lions squad with timely defense and eight team blocks. Ellie Marble and Westby led the offense with nine kills apiece.
 
The Wildcats capped the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Chaminade, responding to a third-set loss by dominating the fourth set, 25-7. Marble and Westby each posted 14 kills, while Hayli Tri anchored the net with eight blocks as CWU held the Silverswords to a .084 hitting percentage.
 
Central received 277 points in the poll and enters the national rankings for the first time this season after receiving votes in the preseason poll.
 
The Wildcats will look to continue their strong start this week at the Bronco Classic in Pomona, California, where they will face RV Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State LA, and No. 23 Cal State San Bernardino.