Cresson, Pa. - January 8, 2026 - Last Thursday, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) released it's preseason coaches poll.

The Mounties, who went 9-16 (3-3 AMCC) and saw a trip to the semifinals last season, are projected to finish fifth in the conference in 2026. Senior MB Jason Freed (East Aurora, N.Y., East Aurora) was the lone player to watch for the Mounties. Freed appeared and started all 25 matches last season for the Mounties. The Senior ranked sixth in league play with 18 blocks and leads all returners in kills (75).

Entering her second season, head coach Jillian Glover leads a Mounties program that looks different from a year ago after graduating and moving on from six players. The departures included several key contributors from last season (Matthew Franz - First Team All-AMCC, Evan Schmidt, Andrew Wlodarczyk - Second Team All-AMCC) resulting in a roster that will rely on new combinations and emerging roles as the year progresses.

To address the turnover, Mount Aloysius added a mix of youth and experience to the lineup. Freshman OH Bryson Brooks (Martinsburg, Pa., Central), senior transfer Evan Sigel (Bedford, Pa., Bedford), and sophomore transfer Brady Diegelman (Pittsburgh, Pa., Shaler Area) all join the program and are expected to compete for meaningful playing time early in the season. Their integration will be a focal point as the Mounties work to establish consistency and depth.

Mount Aloysius brings back an important core of returners that will provide continuity and leadership entering the 2026 men's volleyball season.

Sophomore OH Zach Rosenwald (Pittsburgh, Pa., Shaler) returns on the outside and gives the Mounties a steady presence, capable of contributing offensively. In the back row, Corey Obeldobel (Aliquippa, Pa., Hopewell) and John Mason (Indiana, Pa., Marion Center) return as liberos, giving Mount Aloysius experience and depth defensively. Their ability to control the first touch and keep rallies alive will be a strength for the Mounties.

At setter, senior setter Connor O'Mealia (Rochester, N.Y., Churchville) returns as an option to run the offense, a key piece as the Mounties work new attackers into the lineup. His familiarity with the system and on-court decision-making will help guide the team early in the season.

Rounding out the returning group is Jason Freed, the Mounties' lone player to watch. Freed will look to bring consistency, leadership, and an all-around impact that will be crucial to the Mounties' success this season.

Men's volleyball opens up their season tonight at home versus Chatham University. First serve will be at 7 PM inside the ACWC. 

Preseason Poll:
1. Buffalo State (1)
2. Penn State Behrend (2)
3. Penn State Altoona (2)
4. Hilbert (4)
5. Mount Aloysius (4)
6. Houghton (6)
7. Carlow (7)
* Number in parenthesis is AMCC finish in 2025


#GoMounties