LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Northwestern continues to yo-yo back-and-forth in the "receiving votes" section of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III Top 25 Poll. This week, the Eagles moved back up, nearly breaking through into the top 25 for the first time this season. UNW swept Augsburg on Homecoming Saturday in its lone match last week to improve to 12-4 in 2026.

Click here to see the full AVCA poll.

With 107 votes (up from 69 the week prior), Northwestern slots in at No. 27 overall this week, and remains the highest-ranked team in Minnesota. A new No. 1 team emerged this week, as Illinois Wesleyan assumed the top spot after UW-Oshkosh, who defeated the Eagles in September, lost in five sets to Hope. The Titans fell just one spot to No. 2. Juniata, whom Northwestern swept that same weekend, fell from No. 6 to 11 after a 3-1 week, while Dubuque, responsible for one of UNW's other three losses this year, remained at No. 17.

The Eagles' next home opponent, St. Olaf, received 48 votes and comes in at No. 31, while future opponent Gustavus Adolphus, who lost 3-1 to the Oles last week, is ranked 44th. Bethel and UW-Platteville, who were both swept by Northwestern at the Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational, came in at No. 32 and 41, respectively.

The Eagles will play a pair of conference road matches this weekend, visiting Martin Luther at 7:00 PM on Friday and Bethany Lutheran at 1:00 PM on Saturday.