Sioux City, IA - 

The Oklahoma Wesleyan University Lady Eagles closed their remarkable 2025–26 season on the national stage in Sioux City, Iowa, competing in the NAIA National Championship pool play. In their opening match against Bushnell University, the Lady Eagles fought through three close sets. Junior outside hitter Evelyn Rohrberg led the offense with 14 kills, while Maia Rubio added 8 more. Setter Sydney Collins directed the attack with 31 assists and contributed 3 service aces, while libero Maria Luisa Caycedo anchored the backcourt with 18 digs. Despite their competitiveness, OKWU fell in straight sets. 

In their second match, OKWU faced Bellevue University in a five set battle. The Lady Eagles opened the match with strong play and took control early, building a two set lead behind the steady hitting of Rohrberg and Rubio. As the match progressed, Bellevue gained momentum and tightened the match, eventually taking the final three sets. Rohrberg finished with 18 kills, Rubio added 19, and Maria Sanra Cruz contributed 12 more. Caycedo collected 24 digs, and Collins recorded 44 assists as she guided a balanced offensive effort throughout the match. Although OKWU was unable to secure the win, the matchup reflected the high level of competition present at the national stage and the quality of play the Lady Eagles sustained throughout the season. 

The postseason appearance capped one of the most memorable years in program history. Oklahoma Wesleyan finished 26–5 overall, earned a trip to the NAIA National Championship final site, and captured the KCAC Tournament Championship, securing their place at nationals and reinforcing their status as one of the conference's premier programs. The team entered the season with significant momentum and high expectations. Four standout players, Sydney Collins, Tijana Stojiljkovic, Evelyn Rohrberg, and Maia Rubio, were selected to the KCAC Preseason Team. OKWU immediately validated that recognition. They began the season ranked number 13 in the NAIA Preseason Poll, rose as high as number 5, and ultimately finished the season ranked number 9. This consistent national presence marked one of the strongest and most stable competitive progressions in program history. Head coach Tracie Gillette reached a major career milestone during the season by capturing her 350th career win, a reflection of her leadership and the sustained success of OKWU volleyball. 

Individual performances played a crucial role in the strength of the season. Junior outside hitter Evelyn Rohrberg delivered one of the most dominant offensive campaigns in the NAIA. She finished the year with 584 kills while averaging 5.36 kills per set and hitting .344, which earned her KCAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Setter Sydney Collins also had a remarkable year, highlighted by her new program record of 67 assists in a single match. Her consistency and playmaking earned her the KCAC Setter of the Year award. The team's depth was clear as well, with six Lady Eagles receiving KCAC All-Conference recognition, including three First Team and three Second Team honorees. 

The overall performance of the team was reflected clearly in their season averages. OKWU maintained a fast and efficient offensive rhythm with 13.4 assists per set and 14.3 kills per set. The Lady Eagles added 1.5 service aces per set and showcased strong ball control and defensive presence by averaging 17.9 digs per set. At the net, they averaged 1.8 blocks per set. Collins directed the offense with a total of 1,254 assists for the season, averaging 11.83 assists per set. Libero Maria Luisa Caycedo anchored the backcourt with 584 digs, averaging 5.51 digs per set. The consistency of OKWU's front row contributed to the team's balance throughout the season. Middle blockers Tijana Stojiljkovic and Iva Mrkaic provided steady production at the net, combining for more than 150 blocks and offering stability to the team's defensive structure. Their presence helped create opportunities for the pin hitters to thrive. 

Although the Lady Eagles did not advance out of pool play, the season stands as one of the most successful in program history. OKWU earned a 26–5 overall record, completed a perfect 10–0 home season, finished as the ninth ranked team in the nation, celebrated two major KCAC Player of the Year awards, produced six All-Conference honorees, recorded Coach Gillette's 350th win, and set a new program record for single match assists. The 2025–26 Lady Eagles demonstrated unity, grit, and a championship mindset all year long. Oklahoma Wesleyan University is proud of their accomplishments, their competitive excellence, and the high standard they have set for future Lady Eagles.