Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University volleyball has been selected to finish fifth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason predicted order of finish.

Defending champion Fayetteville State University grabbed the top spot, followed by Shaw, Virginia State, and Winston-Salem State, rounding out the top four.

The Big Blue finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 15-17 and a conference record of 12-5. The Big Blue punched their ticket to the CIAA Volleyball Championship quarterfinals, falling to Fayetteville State.

Leading the charge for the Big Blue is senior Soniya Garner, who led the Big Blue with 274 kills and added 233 digs. Senior Callesta Styles returns as a strong presence at the net after racking up 87 blocks and 183 kills. Defensively, senior Kaileigh Solis provides stability in the back row after collecting a team-high 245 digs and 42 service aces.

The Big Blue will open the season hosting the Big Blue Classic, August 28^th & 29^th.

2026 CIAA VOLLEYBALL PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH 

1. Fayetteville State University 
2. Shaw University 
3. Virginia State University 
4. Winston-Salem State University 
5. Bluefield State University
6. Bowie State University 
7. Livingstone College 
8. Virginia Union University 
9. Claflin University 
10. Elizabeth City State University 
11. Johnson C. Smith University 
12. Lincoln University (PA)