READING, PA (August 31, 2026) – With the 2026 season set to begin Tuesday, September. 1, at Lebanon Valley College, take a look at the Alvernia University women's volleyball season preview below.
2025 Recap:
The Alvernia University women's volleyball team finished the 2025 season with a 7-17 overall record, with new head coach Micaela Sensenig stepping into the role following two years at Penn State Berks. The Golden Wolves started strong through their first nine games, posting a 5-4 record, but the momentum stalled through the remainder of the season. Alvernia picked up wins over Immaculata University and Delaware Valley University in the middle of the year.
2026 Roster Outlook:
The Golden Wolves will graduate three seniors while returning nine players from last season. Alvernia will also welcome a freshman class of seven, along with two transfers. In head coach Micaela Sensenig's second season, she has increased the roster size from 12 to 18 players.
"We are excited for the group that's coming in," said Sensenig. "We did a good job setting the culture this past year and recruited with the intention of making sure our team can mesh well together."
Offensive Outlook:
Two of the Golden Wolves' top five kill leaders return this season. Allison Wolf led the team with 203 kills, while Olivia Rohrbaugh finished right behind her with 164. Standout setter Marli Emrich also returns after leading the team with 467 assists, averaging 6.14 assists per game.
Transfer right-side hitters Zoe Velez and Olivia Jones will look to make an impact at the net after coming to Alvernia from Northampton Community College. Velez totaled 145 kills, 64 digs and 65 blocks during her time with the Spartans.
Defensive Outlook:
Four of the Golden Wolves' top five dig leaders return in 2026. Caroline Buggy led the team with 252 digs, followed by Melina Stinsky with 216, Allison Wolf with 165 and Marli Emrich with 158.
Despite losing some key pieces at the net, Angelina Salera will look to headline the Golden Wolves' front-row defense alongside first year middle blocker Julia Lassandro.
2026 Key Matchups:
September 1 vs. Lebanon Valley College
The Golden Wolves will kick off the 2026 season against Lebanon Valley College on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7:00 p.m. This will be the first matchup against the Dutchmen since 2022.
September 3–11 vs. Penn State Berks, Penn State Schuylkill and Bryn Mawr College
Alvernia will begin a three-game home stretch from Sept. 3–11 against Penn State Berks, Penn State Schuylkill and Bryn Mawr College."These first four games are a great opportunity to set the tone for our season, especially at home," said Sensenig. In last season's contests, the Golden Wolves defeated both Penn State schools, sweeping Penn State Berks and dropping only one set to Penn State Schuylkill. Alvernia is 2-1 all-time against Bryn Mawr College, with its last win coming in 2017.
September 26 vs. Muhlenberg Tri-Match
Other key matchups include a tri-match at Muhlenberg against Oswego State and Muhlenberg College on Saturday, Sept. 26. It will be a tough test in the middle of the season for the Golden Wolves, as they face a first-time opponent in Oswego State and look to end a winless drought against the Mules of Muhlenberg College.
October 7 & 13 vs. Widener University and Albright College
The Golden Wolves will also face conference opponents Widener University and Albright College in back-to-back matches on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 13. The Golden Wolves have historically struggled against the Pride, losing last season's contest 3-1. Despite leading the overall series against Albright College, 20-18, the Lions defeated Alvernia 3-0 last year.
November 4 vs. Hood College
Alvernia will cap off the regular season at home against Hood College on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Alvernia will look to avenge last season's 3-0 loss to Hood College and halt its two-game losing streak against the Blazers.
