After opening its season by winning three of four matches against strong opponents, the Muhlenberg volleyball team was recognized in the first American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III poll of the 2018 season.

The Mules received 60 votes, by far their most ever. In their two previous appearances in the national poll, they received four votes in 2014 and three last year. This is also the earliest in a season that the Mules have appeared in the poll.

All four teams Muhlenberg played in Christopher Newport's Captains Classic are receiving votes. Christopher Newport, who was ranked No. 23 in the preseason poll, is three spots outside the top 25 with 158 votes. Muhlenberg handed the Captains their first home 3-0 loss in four years.

Stevenson (34 votes), Mary Washington (19) and Susquehanna (2) all received fewer votes than the Mules. 

Muhlenberg has more challenging opponents on the horizon. Their next match is at Scranton, which went 35-5 and took the Mules to five sets last year. A rematch with Stevenson is on tap in the 21st Buttermaker Tournament on Friday night.

Next Friday, September 14, Muhlenberg is scheduled to host No. 24 Carnegie Mellon. Centennial Conference rivals Johns Hopkins and Swarthmore are ranked 16th and 22nd, respectively, in the poll, and another future opponent, St. Thomas, is just behind Christopher Newport.