Mid-American Conference volleyball programs prepare for 2026 season openers

Mid-American Conference college volleyball Jim Stone Challenge Marshall Invitational MAC preseason poll

The 2026 Mid-American Conference (MAC) volleyball season is approaching, with several key programs preparing for their openers.

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) will begin its campaign at the Jim Stone Challenge, an invitational hosted by Ohio State. The Falcons are scheduled to play matches against Ohio State, Northern Kentucky, and Fresno State between August 28 and August 30. Head coach Alex DelPiombo enters her second season leading the team after a 17-15 record last year. BGSU is currently pursuing its fourth consecutive season-opening victory.

Meanwhile, Ohio University is set to kick off its season at the Marshall Invitational on August 28-29. Led by head coach Kenzie Brinkman, the Bobcats enter the season with significant roster continuity, retaining 12 players. Ohio University was tied for fourth in the 2026 MAC preseason coaches poll.

Entities

Alex DelPiombo · Bowling Green State University · Kenzie Brinkman · Ohio State University · Ohio University

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohio University volleyball will start its 2026 season at the Marshall Invitational on August 28-29. ohiobobcats.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohio University was tied for fourth in the 2026 MAC preseason coaches poll. ohiobobcats.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Ohio University volleyball roster retains 12 players from the previous season. ohiobobcats.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bowling Green aims to win its season opener for the fourth consecutive year. bgsufalcons.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Jim Stone Challenge features Bowling Green, Fresno State, Northern Kentucky, and Ohio State. bgsufalcons.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kenzie Brinkman serves as the head coach for the Ohio University volleyball program. ohiobobcats.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Alex DelPiombo enters her second season as head coach of the Bowling Green volleyball team. bgsufalcons.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bowling Green State University volleyball begins its 2026 season at the Jim Stone Challenge hosted by Ohio State. bgsufalcons.com

Sources

BGSU volleyball to open season with Jim Stone Challenge [bgfalconmedia.com]

1 day ago

Falcons Set To Begin 2026 Campaign This Weekend At Ohio State’s Jim Stone Challenge - Bowling Green State University Athletics [bgsufalcons.com]

2 days ago

2026 Ohio Volleyball Season Preview - Ohio University [ohiobobcats.com]

1 day ago