UO release - Oregon is one of eight Big Ten teams inside the preseason top 25.  EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon volleyball team will open the 2026 season as the No. 25 team in the AVCA-Taraflex preseason poll revealed Monday. The Ducks are in their second season under head coach Trent Kersten.  Oregon is one of eight Big Ten teams ranked inside the preseason top 25 in addition to three others that are receiving votes. The Ducks' non-conference schedule features three teams—Arizona State (12), San Diego (RV) and Western Kentucky (RV)—mentioned in Monday's AVCA release.  In their first season under Kersten, the Ducks were 17-13 overall with three ranked wins. Oregon returns eight players from a season ago including All-Big Ten performers Alanah Clemente and Valentina Vaulet. The Ducks also welcome eight newcomers this year.  The Ducks will host two preseason matches beginning with the team's Green-Yellow Scrimmage on Aug. 15 followed by an exhibition matchup against Utah (Aug. 21), also at Matthew Knight Arena. Both will be free and open to the public.  The regular season begins Aug. 28-29 at the SEMO Tournament in Cape Girardeau, Mo.  The Ducks' home opener is Sept. 4 against LIU followed by that Sunday's home-weekend finale against Washington State. Single-match and season tickets for the 2026 campaign are currently on sale.  For more news and information about Oregon Volleyball, follow @OregonVB on Instagram and Twitter, and @OregonVolleyball on Facebook.