Century sits in a familiar spot atop WDA preseason volleyball poll

BISMARCK — Perennial power Bismarck Century earned six of 10 first place votes and 77 total points to get the favorite tag for this year's WDA volleyball title. The Patriots are the defending conference regular season and region tournament champions. Three other teams picked up first place votes revealing it could be quite a contested battle for a top-half finish in the standings. Bismarck Legacy was second in voting with two first place votes and 65 points. Jamestown picked up a first place vote and 61 points for third place. Bismarck High earned the final first place vote and 60 votes. Not far behind in fifth was Minot High with 57 votes. Rounding out the poll is Mandan in sixth; Minot North in seventh; Dickinson in eighth; Bismarck St. Mary's in ninth; and Williston in 10th. Teams received nine points for a first place vote; eight for second; seven for third; six for fourth; five four fifth; fourth for sixth; three for seventh; two for eighth; and one for ninth. Coaches did not vote for their own team in their rankings. The poll was conducted by Matt Mullally, WDA executive secretary. The 44th season of WDA-sponsored play will start later this week with the Bismarck Public School Division AA Crossover. Conference matches will start in September. The West Region Tournament is set for Jamestown with the Division AA meet again hosted by Bismarck.

2026 WDA Preseason Volleyball Coaches' Poll

1. Bismarck Century (6), 77 points

2. Bismarck Legacy (2), 65 points

3. Jamestown (1), 61 points

4. Bismarck High (1), 60 points

5. Minot High, 57 points

6. Mandan, 40 points

7. Minot North, 29 points

8. Dickinson, 23 points

9. Bismarck St. Mary's, 22 points

10. Williston, 16 points

(First place votes in parenthesis)

Photo courtesy of Loralyn Joyce