BOWIE, Md., --- The Bowie State women's volleyball team was picked to finish sixth in the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Preseason Poll announced by the league office on Monday, Aug. 17.

The defending champions in Fayetteville State were picked to repeat in the order of finish, followed by Shaw, Virginia State, Winston-Salem State and Bluefield State to round out the top-5 finishes.

For the Bulldogs, the sixth-place ranking reflects both the work they have put in on and off the court and the potential they bring into the upcoming season. Through long practices, competitive matches, and a continued focus on building team chemistry, BSU has developed a confident and experienced group ready to compete in the CIAA led by head coach Edric Potier, who will be entering his fifth season at the helm. The Bulldogs will look to build on last season's success which saw BSU advanced to the CIAA semifinals before falling to Shaw in a hard-fought five-set match, giving the team added motivation heading into the new campaign.

With nine returners back on the roster, Bowie State has a strong core of student-athletes who understand what it takes to compete at a high level in the CIAA led by a combination of veterans and new transfer, in particularly Gabby Hale, the newest addition to the Bulldog roster and All-CIAA setter. Hale earned First Team All-CIAA honors at Bluefield State last season and was selected to the 2026 preseason team following her transfer to Bowie State. 

Bowie State will begin its 2026 campaign at the Fairmont State Classic on Aug. 28-29 in Fairmont, WV. The Bulldogs will take on Fairmont State and East Stroudsburg (Aug. 28), followed by Anderson and Lees-McRae (Aug. 29). Match times are available on bsubulldogs.com.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.