Washington State, Oregon volleyball land in the top-5 of Week 6’s Power 10 rankings

Last week’s top teams were tested during college volleyball’s Week 5 slate, leading to some major shifts in Michella Chester’s Power 10 rankings. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Nebraska (Previous: 1)

Another week, another perfect outing by the Cornhuskers — but there’s a caveat. Yes, Nebraska topped Purdue and Indiana on the road, but with 3-2 and 3-1 they dropped as many sets this week as they had previously all season. The Boilermakers were the first team this year to send Nebraska to five sets, but the Huskers didn’t put up any lesser of a performance — with junior Merritt Beason’s career-high 22 kills, the team actually hit .311, above their season average of .302. In addition, the maturity that Nebraska exudes on the court precedes the age of the usual starting six, complete with first-years Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray and Andi Jackson. Untouched at 13-0 — their best start since 2008 — the Huskers remain atop the rankings.

KABOOM! @merbson calls the match and finishes with a career-high 22 KILLS! 🤯 #GBR pic.twitter.com/G3beefVHEt

— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB) October 1, 2023

2. Wisconsin (2)

Undefeated Wisconsin has been in the top-2 of Chester’s power rankings every week this year, and it’s no secret as to why. The Badgers have proven that they are the most complete squad from top to bottom, posting four straight shutouts to open up conference play (sweeping Ohio State and Michigan this past week). Unless something goes awry, the Badgers will likely be untested in Big Ten play until they face Nebraska in the third week of October.

3. Stanford (3)

Similarly to Wisconsin, Stanford began its Pac-12 slate with four straight sweeps. This schedule has been a breath of fresh air for the Cardinal, who braved six ranked opponents in its early non-conference slate. Setter Kami Miner commands the order on the court, leading the nation with 11.55 assists per set, oftentimes teeing up AVCA All-Americans Kendall Kipp and Caitie Baird for the perfect jelly. The Cardinal will jet north to meet Washington State this Sunday, which will be a must-watch this week.

Another Sunday sweep 🧹#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/LruijFXVi7

— Stanford Women’s Volleyball (@StanfordWVB) October 1, 2023

4. Washington State (7)

WAZZUUUU!! The team that landed at No. 21 in the AVCA Preseason Poll just now cracked the top five in Chester’s rankings. Beating four…