CONWAY, Ark. – Volleyball season is on the horizon for the Central Arkansas volleyball team, who hits the road for the first of ten-straight to start the season. The Sugar Bears will start in Commerce, Texas, to take part in the Lion Invitational. The season will start with Tarleton at 10 a.m., followed by Texas A&M-Commerce at 7 p.m. Saturday's match will feature Little Rock, slated for an 11 a.m. start.
 
The Sugar Bears serve up their season opener with a plethora of quality returners, including junior setter Caylan Koons. A two-year starter, Koons approaches 2000 assists for her career, and continues to grow into an all-around player for the Sugar Bears. Additionally, the Sugar Bears return 13 other players from last season's squad, including hitters Laci Bohannan, Lilly Taylor and Mackenzie Vernon. The three combined for nearly 700 kills, and were the three leading scorers for the Sugar Bears.
 
Two of the three opponents this weekend are fairly new for Central Arkansas. This marks just the second-ever meeting with Tarleton, and the fifth against the Lions. It's obviously been a few more against Little Rock, and marks one of two meetings with the Trojans this season.
 
Tarleton was 16-15 last season, with a 7-9 showing in the WAC. The Texans return All-WAC middle blocker Emma Burke, as well as All-Freshman Madison Frank. Texas A&M-Commerce won nine games last season, and starts its season at home for the first time since 2019. The Lions look to build on a season that saw them defeat Alabama for the first-time ever. The Sugar Bears and Trojans meet for the 14^th time in program history, with the Sugar Bears having won the previous four meetings.
 
Central Arkansas' three games will be available on Texas A&M-Commerce's Sidearm Website, and live stats will be available for all games.