PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Skyline Conference announced preseason poll results, slating Manhattanville University men's volleyball second place, receiving two first-place votes, and nabbing 43 overall points.

The Valiants prepare to enter its third season, coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, under the new leadership of Matt Jessen. Along with the new head coach, four freshmen are preparing to make their debuts in the 2026 season: Fernando Martinez (Hartsdale, N.Y./Archbishop Stepinac), Luca Peterson (Boston, Mass./Newton North), Trevor Kolar (South Huntington, N.Y./Walt Whitman), and Adrian Bonilla (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico/Baldwin School of Puerto Rico).

In addition to the new faces, nine of 13 players will return to the court. Kyle Simmons (Elmont, N.Y./Elmont Memorial) led the team in kills during his freshman year, totaling 304 (3.04 k/s), as well as service aces with 39 and blocks with 43.0.
Mason Moon (Rockport, Texas/Rockport-Fulton) looks to add to his assist totals as he enters his senior year after throwing out a monumental 731 (9.02 a/s) in the 2025 campaign. Earning the Skyline Libero of the Week title five times, Evan Rapp (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore) comes off a dominant season, receiving a team-leading 262 digs (2.40 d/s) and sending 35 assists.
Matt Diamond (Hamburg, N.Y./Hamburg) and Joe Gandarillas (Farmingville, N.Y./Sachem HS East) made impacts all around the court in the first two seasons of play. Senior, Diamond, recorded 52 kills, 13 service aces, and 99 digs. Gandarillas stood for 20.0 blocks and received 164 digs, while throwing down 237 kills and 30 service aces.

Men's volleyball is set to open the 2026 campaign at home on Jan 30 against Curry College at 6 PM.

2026 Men's Volleyball Preseason Poll - Rank, School, Pts., (First-Place Votes)
1. St. Joseph's - Long Island, 48 (6)
2. Manhattanville, 43 (2)
3. Purchase, 36
4. Sarah Lawrence, 28
5. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn, 25
6. Mount St. Vincent, 21
7. Old Westbury, 16
8. Yeshiva, 7