NASHUA, N.H. –  Rivier University Women's Volleyball is gearing up for the 2026 season after being selected fifth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Coaches' Preseason Poll. Led by fifth-year head coach Jeff Costa '05 and assistant coaches Lydia Pray '23 and Peter Pray, the team aims to make a return to GNAC postseason play in 2026. 

LAST SEASON  

• The Raiders wrapped up the 2024 season with a 16-14 overall record, including a 10-3 mark in GNAC play. 

• Following a regular-season finale win over Regis College (Mass.), Rivier captured the No. 4 seed in the GNAC postseason. 

• The Raiders hosted No. 5 seeded Regis (Mass.) once again in a GNAC Quarterfinal match at the Muldoon Center, falling short of the Pride in a five set 3-2 thriller. 

• Senior Sam Driend was a top offensive presence ranking second on the team with 257 total points including 188 kills and 54 service aces. 

• Junior Lily Seibel, two-time 2025 GNAC Setter of the Week provided 794 assists 

CAPTAINS  

• Driend and Seibel will head up the 22 members for the 2026 season.  

NEWCOMERS  

• Coach Costa welcomes six first-year student-athletes, completing a strong blend of returning experience and new talent. 

SCHEDULE  

• Rivier opens the season with a non-conference road matchup against JWU (Providence) on Sept. 1 at 6:00p.m. 

• The Raiders will then travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. for the Vassar Quad to play three matches over two days, with the first against Clark, followed by matchup with host Vassar, and a final match against Western Conn. St. on Saturday (9/4-9/5).  

• The home opener begins GNAC conference play and comes Friday, Sept. 11 when the Raiders take on Norwich (9/11).