AVCA-Taraflex Division II WVB Poll
 
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Week eight of the American Volleyball Coaches' Association's AVCA-Taraflex Division II Poll came out Monday and Mines made its 2026 debut at 25.
 
The Orediggers entered the national poll after three straight weeks of receiving votes. Mines' rise has been fueled by 10 consecutive 3-0 victories dating back to Sept. 18. Most recently, the Orediggers knocked off Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction, Colo., in three sets. Prior to the match, CMU was tied for first in the conference standings. The Mavericks had also won 11 straight contests at home. Mines snapped that streak by winning 25-14, 25-22, and 25-20 while hitting .343 and spoiling Mesa's homecoming.
 
Monday's announcement marks the Orediggers' first appearance in the national top 25 since the start of the 2023 season when they appeared at 22nd in the preseason poll. The last time Mines was nationally ranked during the regular season was the 2022 campaign when they were listed in every edition of the rankings. The Orediggers are currently the only RMAC team in the top 25 and one of two from the South Central Region with Angelo State checking in at fifth. Colorado Mesa, MSU Denver, and Dallas Baptist are also receiving votes.
 
Mines volleyball returns to action this week, hosting Colorado Mesa and Westminster as part of the RMAC Power Pod.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines volleyball on "X" (formerly Twitter) at @MinesVolleyball and on Instagram at @mines.volleyball. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, "X" and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.