CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas volleyball team has released its 2024 schedule, highlighted by the Central Arkansas Invitational, a couple of Power 5 matchups, and the fourth season for the Sugar Bears as members of the ASUN. Head coach John Newberry embarks on another season at the helm, looking to make a splash in 2024.
 
"This is a phenomenal schedule for us. It is mixed in with some higher RPI teams along with mid-major schools that will be very competitive," Newberry said. "Out one tournament that is catching all of the buzz will be at Colorado State. We are guaranteed to return to them. Along with a very competitive Colorado State team will be Grand Canyon and Oregon."
 
The schedule is preceded by two exhibitions, the first of which is in Fort Smith, Arkansas against Tulsa. The Sugar Bears will play their annual Purple and Gray Game on August 22^nd as the final tune-up for the regular season. August 30^th, Central Arkansas officially starts competition in Commerce, Texas, playing in TA&M-Commerce's tournament, facing the Lions, Alabama State and Tarleton State.
 
Up next is the aforementioned tournament at Colorado State. Featuring the Rams, Grand Canyon and Oregon, the Ram Volleyball Classic, slated for September 6-8, will be among the toughest weekends for the Sugar Bears. Between the three opponents, Colorado State scratched multiple Power 5 wins last season, and both Grand Canyon and Oregon made the NCAA Tournament.
 
After spending time in Colorado, the Sugar Bears return to Texas, participating in UTSA's home tournament. There, Central Arkansas will face the Roadrunners, Sam Houston State and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The match against Alabama marks the second-straight weekend playing a Power 5 school for the Sugar Bears, this time facing a team that went 10-1 in non-conference games last season. The final game before the Sugar Bears play at home for the first time is at Little Rock, the next iteration of the Governor's I-40 Showdown.
 
September 20^th, Sugar Bear fans can finally see their home team play in the Prince Center. Hosting the Central Arkansas Invitational, the Prince Center will be home to the Sugar Bears, Trojans, Jackson State and North Alabama on Friday and Saturday. A five-game slate will see Central Arkansas play North Alabama and Jackson State.
 
"I'm excited to finish our non-conference portion at home, having North Alabama to open us up for the start to what will hopefully be a great conference season. We look forward to packing the Prince to watch this very dynamic Sugar Bear team," Newberry added.
 
ASUN games technically start during the Invitational with North Alabama, and get into full swing the following weekend at North Florida. The Sugar Bears will play seven home games against ASUN foes in October and November, including the newest member of the league, West Georgia. The Wolves will be making their first trip to the Prince Center on October 27^th, the second game of a stretch of five home games in six matches for the Sugar Bears.
 
The home portion of the conference season will wrap up the weekend of November 8^th, with the final home game of the season on November 10^th. The Sugar Bears will play two more on the road to close the regular season before the ASUN Championship.