Official NWC Release

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The nine head coaches of the Northwest Conference predict a wide open race for the 2025 league title with the Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team picked second in the annual NWC Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Wednesday.

Three points is all that separates first from third with the Lutes snagging the No. 2 position in the poll with 57 points and three of the nine first place votes. Defending champion Whitworth University is just a hair ahead of the Lutes with 58 points and four first place endorsements. Crosstown rival University of Puget Sound is nipping at PLU's heels in third with 55 points and the remaining two first place votes. 
 
George Fox University is the top Oregon team, sitting fourth in the poll with 42 points followed by Willamette University in fifth (35 points) and Pacific University in sixth (27 points).
 
Whitman College is seventh with 24 points followed by Linfield University (17 points) in eighth and Lewis & Clark College in ninth (nine points). 

PLU wrapped up the 2024 campaign with a 19-8 overall record and a 13-3 mark in NWC action, advancing to the NWC Tournament Championship Game for the second consecutive year. The Lutes begin the 2025 season on Friday, facing Southwestern University at 12:30 p.m. at the Puget Sound Premiere.