The Sam Houston women’s volleyball team is ready to kick off a new season starting Tuesday, Feb. 2, when the Bearkats take on the Central Arkansas University Sugar Bears. The Bearkats are looking to build off the successes from last season to take on the entire Southland Conference and come out on top.

Last season, the Bearkats came in second overall in the Southland Conference with a record of 12-4, 19-14 overall, finishing behind Stephen F. Austin State University’s undefeated season.  The Ladyjacks placement may be a source of motivation for the volleyball team, but according to head coach Brenda Gray, the team is focused more on the game they are playing than who they are playing.

With a large number of last season’s team returning for the season, the championship title is well within reach for the Bearkats. Senior outside hitter, Ashley Lewis, returns after having a season of 482 kills and 364 digs. Including having double-digit kills in 28 of her 33 matches.

Junior outside hitter, Breanne Chausse, also looks to make an impact this season after recording 414 kills last season. Chausse also finished eighth in the conference for kills per set with an average of 3.09.

The Sam Houston women’s volleyball team also features several new faces, as five freshman players have been added to the team after last season.

Notably, the Bearkats will face off against reigning Southland Conference champions, the Ladyjacks, on March 25.

The Bearkats will compete this season in the Southland Conference Tournament to attempt to take home the championship they were so close to a year ago. The Southland Conference Tournament will take place on April 1-3 in Corpus Christi.

Up next, the Bearkats will host Northwestern State University at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4.