KENOSHA, Wis. – Parkside volleyball earned the No. 8 ranking in the Midwest Region in the first NCAA Power Index (NPI) rankings of the 2026 season. The Rangers (13-8, 5-5 GLIAC) earned the ranking for the first time under head coach Leigh Barea.

Parkside has recorded eight sweeps this season and earned a victory over then No. 19 West Texas A&M at the Lady Buff Invitational. Four of the Rangers' losses came against teams ranked or receiving votes at the time, including Oklahoma Baptist, No. 1 Ferris State, No. 17 Grand Valley State and No. 22 University of Indianapolis.

The Rangers are hitting .208 as a team while limiting opponents to a .183 hitting percentage. Parkside leads the GLIAC in total digs (1,406) and digs per set (16.94). The Rangers also rank second in the conference in kills (1,089) and assists (1,005).

The NCAA Power Index (NPI) evaluates teams based on factors including wins and losses, strength of schedule and opponent performance. The rankings help determine NCAA Division II postseason selections, making Parkside's No. 8 ranking in the Midwest Region an important milestone as the Rangers continue their push toward the postseason.
 
The next NCAA Division II NPI rankings are scheduled to be released on Monday, Oct. 26.
 
For the complete NCAA Division II NPI rankings, click the link below.https://stats.ncaa.org/selection_rankings/nitty_gritties/53591
 
Up Next, 
Parkside volleyball team travels to Detroit, Michigan, to face Wayne State University on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.
 
For all things Parkside Volleyball, including links to live coverage, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.