IMMACULATA, Pa. — The Immaculata men's volleyball team is putting the finishing touches on its preparation for the 2026 season, welcoming Randolph-Macon to Alumnae Hall on Friday night for a 7 p.m. season opener. Randolph-Macon is receiving votes in the NCAA Division III American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top 20 preseason poll.

The Mighty Macs return to the court after a 6–12 campaign in 2025, which marked their final season competing as an NCAA Division III independent. The 2026 season ushers in a new chapter as Immaculata begins competition as an associate member of the United East Conference (UEC) for men's volleyball.

Immaculata will play a 16-match schedule during the 2026 season, featuring eight home matches and eight road contests.

Preseason Overview

Josh Elliott returns for his second season as head coach of the Immaculata men's volleyball program and will look to guide the Mighty Macs to a postseason berth in their inaugural United East season.

"The team has been focused coming into the preseason," said Elliott. "They've put in good work with the time we have and are really valuing every available rep."
"I am stoked for the team to be in the United East Conference," Elliott continued. "Being in a conference allows us to set goals for the postseason, which is always important when rallying a team. As far as the United East in particular, we played most of the teams last year and fared well. This is a conference we can make noise in, even as a young team."

Immaculata opens the year with four non-conference matches before beginning UEC play on Tuesday, March 3, when the Mighty Macs host Gallaudet at Alumnae Hall at 7 p.m. The conference slate includes eight UEC matches, with the top six teams qualifying for the United East Conference Tournament.

The Mighty Macs were picked sixth in the United East Conference preseason poll released on January 7, 2026. Defending champion Lancaster Bible was selected as the preseason favorite with eight first-place votes. Wilson earned the remaining first-place vote and was picked second, followed by Neumann, Cairn, Saint Elizabeth, and Immaculata. Gallaudet, Valley Forge, and Pratt rounded out the poll.

Roster Check

The Immaculata roster features seven returning players, including four juniors and three sophomores, along with four newcomers.

Junior outside hitter Josh McGurl (West Grove, Pa. / Avon Grove) leads the returning group after pacing the team with 216 kills (3.43 per set) and 38 service aces in 2025. Junior opposite Christian Lee (Ellicott City, Md. / Marriott's Ridge) recorded 55 kills and 27 total blocks, while junior right-side hitter Brandon Lieberman (Glen Mills, Pa. / Garnet Valley) added seven service aces and 73 digs. Junior defensive specialist Michael Prall (Middletown, Del. / Middletown) contributed 12 kills and 32 digs.

"My leaders are the juniors: Christian Lee, Josh McGurl, and Brandon Lieberman," said Elliott. "They lead through both their play and their attitude. Christian has really impressed me while sidelined with an injury — he's stepped into a leadership and assistant coaching role, holding guys accountable and keeping intensity high during the preseason."

Among the returning sophomores, middle blockers Nate Bailey and Jordan Brown (both Burlington Township, N.J. / Burlington Township) provide size and physicality at the net. Bailey posted 97 kills, 51 digs, and 11 total blocks last season, while Brown added 44 kills and 28 total blocks. Outside hitter Noah Zunski (Hillsborough Township, N.J. / Hillsborough) returns after recording 191 kills, 23 service aces, and 105 digs.

"Our sophomore class brings a lot of confidence and experience back to the lineup," Elliott said. "Nate and Jordan give us a strong presence in the middle, and Noah has proven he can be a go-to option on the outside. They have taken a big step this offseason."

Welcome to the Team

Immaculata welcomes four newcomers for the 2026 season: junior outside hitter Alex Corsones (Springfield, Pa. / Springfield), sophomore libero J.P. Farrely (Somerset, N.J. / Saint Joseph), sophomore libero/defensive specialist Anthony Fitch (Burlington Township, N.J. / Burlington Township), and freshman setter Luke Dortenzo (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area).

"The true freshman I see making the biggest impact is Luke Dortenzo," said Elliott. "He is stepping into a starting setter role, which is not easy at all. He has looked great in preseason, both skill-wise and with his demeanor."

Elliott also highlighted Farrely and Fitch as potential difference-makers.

"J.P. is an experienced libero who will lead our defense and serve receive," Elliott said. "He brings the energy and hustle every successful team needs. Anthony Fitch has unbelievable serving ability — he can come in and completely change a match with a run."

Season Expectations

"My goal for the season is to make noise in the United East playoffs," Elliott concluded. "Short term, I expect a hardworking, hungry team that can compete with anyone and stay focused on growth throughout the season."