BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - With the season starting for some programs as soon as this weekend, the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) released the results of the Beach Volleyball Preseason Poll Thursday afternoon. Chattanooga, who has won the league two years in a row, was picked to win a third consecutive title. Voting was conducted by Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors across the OVC.

The Sandy Mocs totaled 50 points and 10 first-place votes, which was 13 points clear of second-place UT Martin who earned 37 points and two first-place votes. 

2026 OVC Beach Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. Chattanooga (10) – 50
2. UT Martin (2) – 37
3. Morehead State – 36
4. Lindenwood – 28
5. Tennessee Tech – 17
6. Eastern Illinois – 12

"We are grateful for the recognition, as we want that expectation, and don't take it lightly," Head Coach Darin Van Horn said. "We are excited to see exactly where we stand as we start competing."

Chattanooga returns several players from last year's squad that tallied a school-record 26 wins. Recognized this preseason as Returning All-OVC performers from that team include McKenna Faychak, Ansley Gulledge, Sydney Jackwin, Julia Lawrence, Maddie Lecik, and Corina Vale. This is two more than the next closest team, which is Lindenwood, with four returning All-OVC honorees. 

2026 Returning All-OVC
McKenna Faychak, Chattanooga
Ansley Gulledge, Chattanooga
Sydney Jackwin, Chattanooga
Julia Lawrence, Chattanooga
Maddie Lecik, Chattanooga
Corina Vale, Chattanooga
Katie Bockhorst, Lindenwood
Abby Jacobs, Lindenwood
Annalie McWhorter, Lindenwood
Nyah Wilson, Lindenwood
Bella Marita, Morehead State
Kayla Bryant, UT Martin
Reagan McGee, UT Martin

Ashli McKenny, a senior transfer from Florida Southern, was Chattanooga's representative on the OVC Watch List. In her three seasons at Florida Southern, McKenny totaled 55 career wins, and led her squad to a Silver Bracket Title at the AVCA Small College Championships a year ago.

2026 OVC Beach Volleyball Watch List
Ashli McKenny, Sr., Chattanooga
Sylvia Hasz, Sr., Eastern Illinois
Susanna Beretti, Jr., Lindenwood
Sarah Heath, Sr., Morehead State
MK Roberts, Gr., Tennessee Tech
Riley Rushing, Sr., UT Martin

Chattanooga starts its 2026 season next Friday, February 27 at the Wheeler Beach Bash in Columbia, South Carolina. The Sandy Mocs are scheduled to play four games across the weekend against Coastal Carolina, Texas A&M - Corpus Christi, South Carolina, and Austin Peay. 

FOLLOW CHATTANOOGA BEACH VOLLEYBALL
For the most up-to-date information regarding Chattanooga Beach Volleyball, please follow us on Twitter (@GoMocsBeachVB), Instagram (@GoMocsBeachVB) & Facebook (Chattanooga Athletics Department) or visit GoMocs.com.