The NCAA has released the women's volleyball RPI for the first time this season, and it confirms just how difficult UWM's early-season schedule has been.
The Panthers have already played seven teams in the top 100 of the RPI, including three teams in the top 30. With a 10-4 mark, and wins over #26 Iowa State, #81 Butler and #91 Valpo, Milwaukee sits 66th entering this week.
Oregon State (24th) is the highest-ranked opponent UWM has faced this season, followed by Iowa State, Michigan State (29th) and Illinois State (61st).
UWM is the top RPI team in the Horizon League, followed by Butler and Valpo. But, no other league school is currently in the top 150 -- Loyola is the next highest-ranked at #151.
The NCAA will update the rankings throughout the rest of the season. As in many sports, it is one of the factors used in determining at-large bids and seedings for the NCAA Tournament.
