CLARION, Pa. --- The first NCAA Power Index ranking for Division II women's volleyball was released on Monday. The Golden Eagle volleyball team appeared in the initial ranking, checking in at fifth in the Atlantic Region in matches through October 18.
 
The NCAA Power Index, or NPI, is a ranking system used in Division II and Division III to evaluate team performance. NPI considers game results and the strength of opponents to calculate a team's NPI value and ranking. NPI calculations update throughout the season as teams play additional contests and opponent NPI values change. A team's final NPI is not determined until the final games and rankings of the season are complete.
 
NPI evaluates a team's season by considering both results and the strength of the teams it plays. Each contest produces a value based on whether the team won, lost or tied and the opponent's NPI.
 
Clarion clocks in at fifth place in the first NPI ranking of the season, with PSAC foes Gannon (1^st), IUP (2^nd) and Shepherd (4^th) all ahead of them. Fairmont State of the Mountain East conference is third.
 
The Golden Eagles enter this week's action with a 15-5 overall record and are tied for first in the PSAC West division with a 7-1 record.