Colby Volleyball Opens 2026 With Top-20 Gauntlet in Atlanta

The air in Atlanta is thick with anticipation as the Colby Mules step onto the court, their 26-4 record from last season still echoing in the rafters. They are not here to rest on laurels; they are here to break new ground. The white volleyball sits poised on the polished wood, a silent witness to the intensity building around it. This is not just another tournament; it is a crucible for a team that has tasted national prominence and now seeks to reclaim it.

Head Coach Lindsay Johnson watches the warm-ups, her eyes scanning the floor for any sign of weakness or hesitation. Her sixth season brings a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, a roster engineered for precision and power. The Mules face a brutal schedule, a deliberate choice to forge their identity in the fire of competition. The stakes are high, the opponents elite, and the path to another national tournament begins with this single, decisive weekend.

Rising Through the Ranked Gauntlet

Friday brings the first clash, a 1:00 pm showdown against #16 Washington University in St. Louis. The ball travels in sharp arcs, the net a barrier that must be breached with force and finesse. Saturday intensifies the pressure, a doubleheader that tests endurance and nerve. At noon, they face #18 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, a team known for its disciplined defense and aggressive offense. The rhythm of the game shifts, the tempo rising as the Mules adjust their strategy on the fly.

By 3:00 pm, the host #17 Emory University stands as the final hurdle of the day. The crowd roars, the gymnasium vibrating with the energy of a packed house. Every serve is a declaration, every spike a statement. The Mules have proven they can handle pressure, having navigated the NCAA Regional Championship last year. Now, they must prove they can sustain it, turning a single weekend of excellence into a foundation for a championship-caliber season.

Elite Core Drives Offensive Power

At the heart of this offensive engine is Brady Moseley, the senior outside hitter whose name is synonymous with dominance. A reigning NESCAC Player of the Year and two-time AVCA All-American, she moves with a predatory grace, reading the game before it unfolds. Her presence on the floor is a constant threat, forcing opponents to tighten their defense and opening up space for her teammates.

She is not alone in her elite company. Junior Cyanne Jones, another two-time All-American, brings a different flavor of power, a combination of speed and strength that keeps defenders off balance. Sophomore Kendall Glover adds depth to the attack, while senior setter Gabby Grujic orchestrates the chaos with surgical precision. This core, decorated with AVCA All-Region and All-NESCAC honors, forms a unit that is as cohesive as it is explosive. Their chemistry is evident in the fluidity of their movements, the seamless transitions from defense to offense.

Building Momentum for the Season

The road trip to Georgia is more than a series of games; it is a statement of intent. As reported by GN sports/volleyball (en-US), the Mules are entering their 2026 campaign with a clear vision and a roster capable of executing it. The return of key contributors, bolstered by a talented group of first-years, creates a depth that will serve them well in the long haul. Each match is a step toward a larger goal, a chance to refine their skills and build the confidence needed for the postseason.

When they return to Waterville for their home opener against Maine Maritime Academy, the atmosphere will be electric. The Margaret M. Crook Center will buzz with the energy of a fanbase that believes in the potential of this team. The Mules have the talent, the experience, and the drive to make another deep run. The question is no longer if they can compete at the highest level, but how far they will go. The ball is in the air, the game is on, and the future of the program hangs in the balance.