EDISON, NJ – The Rider University volleyball team was selected third in the 2026 Metro Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced on Thursday. Additionally, senior setter Makenna Mason was named to the Preseason All-Metro Team.

Last year's Champions, Fairfield (142), were slotted in at first place in the poll, receiving 10 first place votes. Quinnipiac (127) slotted in at second with one first place vote followed by the Broncs (110) in third place. Last year's runners-up received one first place vote. Canisius (101), Niagara (81), and Siena (80) followed in fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively followed by Sacred Heart (77), Marist (62), and Iona (55) in seventh, eighth, and ninth places. Merrimack (48), Saint Peter's (28), and Manhattan (25) rounded out the bottom three.

In addition to their third-place haul, the Broncs senior setter, Makenna Mason was named to the Preseason All-Metro Team. The three-time MAAC Setter of the Week and 2025 All-MAAC Second Team member finished third in the conference with 1,031 assists. Mason finished second in digs on the team with 245 while recording 39 blocks and 19 aces. She also posted 31 matches with double digit assists and recorded a career-high 58 assists against Niagara on October 31, 2025.

The Broncs begin their 2026 campaign on the weekend of August 28-30 at the Cherry and White Invitational in Philadelphia, facing off against Fordham on August 28 at 6:00 p.m. and Temple on August 30 at 12:00 p.m.