The Gannon women's volleyball team will open the season ranked No. 18 in NCAA Division II in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.

Head coach Matt Darling's team received 312 points in the poll and was the only PSAC team to make the top 25. 

The Golden Knights closed the 2021 season by advancing to the NCAA Division II semifinals, where they lost to Tampa eventual national champion. Tampa is ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll with 1,158 points.

Gannon was selected as the No. 2 team in the PSAC West Preseason Poll earlier this week, trailing only defending PSAC Tournament champion Clarion.

Three standout hitters and a star setter completed their eligibility, along with several other regular contributors, after last season. However, three of the Knights' top six hitters return.

Sophomore outside hitter Sam Deinek (253 kills) and redshirt senior middle blocker Maggie Greenfield (Woodstock, Ontario/Woodstock Collegiate Institute) (222 kills) ranked third and fifth on the team, respectively, in kills after playing in 37 matches apiece. Junior outside hitter Madde Blake (96 kills) is also back, and sophomore libero Emma Hall (Lowell, Mich./Lowell) returns after leading Gannon with 570 digs.

Gannon will open the 2022 season on Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27, when it hosts the Gannon-Mercyhurst Invitational. The Golden Knights take the court for the first time on Friday at 4 p.m. vs. Malone at Highmark Events Center.