INDIANAPOLIS, In. -- Washburn volleyball is ranked No. 8 in the central region of the first NPI rankings released on Monday morning by the NCAA. The next set of rankings will be published on October 26.  

The NCAA Power Index (NPI) is a ranking system used in Division II and Division III to evaluate team performance based on game results and the strength of opponents. These factors are used to calculate each team's NPI value and ranking.  

NPI rankings are updated throughout the season as teams compete in additional matches and opponents' NPI values change. Final rankings are not determined until all matches and rankings for the season are complete. 

Eight teams from the central region will advance to the NCAA Central Region Tournament with the top seed serving as the host for the event. Four MIAA teams are included inside the top-eight currently with Nebraska Kearney at No. 2, Emporia State at No. 3 and Missouri Western at No. 4. Wayne State (NE) would serve as the host site in the current rankings as the top seed.  

Washburn is in action at home for the final two times this regular season beginning by facing the Griffons at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 in Lee Arena.  

Central region NPI rankings - October 19 

1. Wayne State 

2. Nebraska Kearney 

3. Emporia State 

4. Missouri Western 

5. Southwest Minnesota State 

6. Concordia-St. Paul 

7. Oklahoma Baptist 

8. Washburn