The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad is ranked No. 3 in the first NCAA Division II Central Region rankings.

The Bearcats (19-4 overall) boast of the region's best strength of schedule and third-best RPI.

The top eight teams will qualify for the 2021 NCAA Division II Volleyball Tournament that will begin Dec. 2.

The Central Region consists of three conferences - MIAA, NSIC and GAC. The three conference tournament winners receive an automatic bid and the next five highest-ranked teams in the region will qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Central Region Rankings
1. Central Missouri       22-2
2. Winona State            21-3
3. Northwest Mo. St.     19-4
4. Washburn                  22-3
5. Concordia St. Paul    19-5
6. St. Cloud State          19-4
7. Nebraska-Kearney    18-5
8. Wayne State.             17-5
9. Oklahoma Baptist.     17-3
10. Southwest Minn. St. 18-5

In-Region RPI (Central Region)
1. Central Missouri - .658
2. Winona State - .639
3. Northwest Mo. St. - .631
4. St. Cloud State - .619
5. Washburn - .608
6. Concordia St. Paul - .608
7. Nebraska-Kearney - .601
8. Wayne State - .598
9. Oklahoma Baptist - .578
10. Southwest Minn. St. - .564

Division II Strength of Schedule (Central Region)
1. Northwest Mo. St. - .588
2. Nebraska-Kearney - .582
3. Central Missouri - .575
4. Pittsburg State - .568
5. Winona State - .557
6. Concordia St. Paul - .556
7. Emporia State - .553
8. Wayne State - .551
9. Missouri Western - .549
10. Washburn - .529