The Gannon University women's volleyball team has risen to the top of the Atlantic Region rankings in NCAA Division II as the Golden Knights prepare to open the postseason on Wednesday.

Coach Matt Darling's team capped a dominant second half of the regular season by beating rival Clarion, last week's No. 1 team in the Atlantic Region, in five sets in the PSAC finale on Saturday.

Gannon, which was No. 3 in last week's rankings, jumped over Clarion and former No. 2 Wheeling into the No. 1 spot in the rankings, which were released Wednesday afternoon. Clarion slipped to No. 2 while Charleston (W.Va.) moved to No. 3 and Wheeling dropped to No. 4.

Gannon finished the regular season with a 23-5 record and went 15-1 in the PSAC West. The Knights have won 11 matches in a row and 17 of their past 18. They are scheduled to open the PSAC Tournament tonight when they host Edinboro in a quarterfinal at 7 p.m. at Highmark Events Center.

If Gannon beats Edinboro, it will host the PSAC Tournament Final Four on Saturday and the Championship on Sunday.

The NCAA uses regional rankings to pick NCAA Tournament field and select the host teams for the regionals. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday night.