Middlebury College

Official Athletics Site of the middlebury college panthers

The Middlebury volleyball team celebrates after a point against Colby.

Will Costello

2026 Volleyball Season Preview

9/3/2026 1:00:00 PM

The Middlebury volleyball team celebrates after a point against Colby.

The Middlebury volleyball team celebrates after winning a point against Union.

The Middlebury volleyball team huddles after a point against Union.

The Middlebury volleyball team commences its 2026 slate on Saturday, September 5, with matches against SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Brockport in Potsdam, New York. The Panthers follow a 2025 campaign that featured 13 victories and an appearance in the NESCAC quarterfinals. This year’s captains are Molly Harrison, Sophie Horn and Gabby Pribisich.

Molly Harrison pictured during last season's match against Amherst.

Molly Harrison setting up a teammate during last season's matchup against Amherst.

Gabby Pribisich tips an attempt over the net against St. Michael's.

Gabby Pribisich tips the ball over the net against St. Michael's.

A fixture in the rotation, Harrison ranked second in kills per set (3.34) and third in total kills (297) across the conference last season. The All-NESCAC First Team selection surpassed the 1,000-kill threshold for her career while slotting second on the team in total digs (275), third in blocks (36.0) and fourth in service aces (24). Pribisich headlines the talent up the middle, trailing only Harrison in kills (193) and ranking 10th in the league in hitting percentage (.293) a campaign ago. She logged six efforts with 10 or more kills, including a career-high 16 accurate attacks against Babson. The senior also led the squad in total blocks (64.0).

Molly MacDonald checks in during last season's contest against Colby.

Molly MacDonald checks in to last season's match against Colby.

Caroline Byrne readies to serve against Colby.

Middlebury returns a plethora of quality hitters. Molly MacDonald finished third on the team with 155 kills, averaging just under two per set (1.99). Caroline Byrne tallied 149 successful swings and posted seven double-digit kill outings, while also ranking third on the squad with 36 service aces. Devin McCormack continues to contribute after averaging 1.45 kills and 0.94 digs per set over her first two seasons as a Panther.

Campbell Bartley handles setting duties against Union.

Campbell Bartley sets to Gabby Pribisich during last season's battle with Union.

Annabella Rando receives a serve against St. Michael's.

Annabella Rando digs out an attack against St. Michael's.

Campbell Bartley handled the setting duties and Annabella Rando donned the libero jersey last season. Bartley distributed 853 assists, averaging 9.58 per set to spearhead the NESCAC in each figure. Rando’s total of 392 digs slotted second in the league, and her rate of 4.40 per set finished third. The Panthers welcome five talented first-year players for the new slate.

Head coach Sarah Raunecker '92 leading the huddle during an away match against Tufts last season.

We have a great returning core of players in every position, and our incoming class is strong and balanced. I think we will have more offensive weapons, and it will be a fun challenge figuring out what combinations of players and tactics will be the most successful. Behind our senior leadership, the team is already starting to gel as a family, so I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together this season.

Head Coach Sarah Raunecker '92

Raunecker begins her 32nd season with the program, owning a 531-291 record and finishing .500 or better in 17 consecutive campaigns. She is joined by returning assistant coach Brian Dunlop in his 24th season, as well as incoming volunteer assistant coach Meg Anderson ‘14.

2026 Middlebury Volleyball Schedule