MONMOUTH, Ore. --- The Western Oregon volleyball team looks to begin its bounce-back season on a strong note Thursday against Stanislaus State in its 2026 opener at the Sunbird Classic in Fresno, California.

The Wolves are coming off a 3-23 campaign in 2025, but return several players that gained valuable experience.

Senior setter Samantha Darby and senior defensive specialist Madi Noel played in all 26 matches and 96 sets for the Wolves last season. Darby led the team with 6.89 assists per match and 32 aces while she was third in digs per set (2.02). Noel finished at 1.58 digs per set and was fourth on the team with 27 aces.

Senior middle blocker Finley Buman returns for the Wolves and was second on the team with 56 blocks while adding 1.13 kills per set. Senior setter Kealani Rosa (25 matches) and senior Kilinoelehua Helm (17 matches) are back with Rosa finishing second on the team with. 2.99 assists per set and third in aces with 28 while Helm led the Wolves at 4.32 digs per set.

After this week, the Wolves head to Honolulu to play in the Chaminade/Hawaii Pacific Tournament Sept. 3-5 before opening GNAC play at home against Saint Martin's on Sept. 12.