LEXINGTON, Ky. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/Taraflex Division II Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll has been released, and Lynn University enters the 2025 campaign ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Fighting Knights collected 45 first-place votes and 1,171 points, marking the third-straight year the program has opened the season in the rankings.
 
Lynn is coming off the most successful season in program history, highlighted by it's first NCAA Division II National Championship. The Fighting Knights finished 33-3 overall, a program-best, while storming through the NCAA Championship bracket to secure the title. The historic run also produced a program-record five AVCA All-Americans.
 
This fall, Lynn returns several key contributors from last year's championship squad, including All-Americans Aline Olegario (middle blocker) and Hope Passerello (setter), along with All-Tournament Team selection Ula Gorjup (setter).
 
The Fighting Knights will be chasing their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025, adding to an impressive stretch that has seen the team win 130 matches over the past five seasons.
 
Lynn is one of four Sunshine State Conference programs represented in the poll. Tampa checks in at No. 10, Barry at No. 20, while Embry-Riddle and Nova Southeastern are receiving votes.
 
The Fighting Knights open the 2025 campaign in New York City at the Adelphi/Molloy/Queens Tournament on Sept. 5-6. Lynn's first matchup is set for Friday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. against Adelphi in Garden City, N.Y.