CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The new Women's Volleyball season has finally arrived, and Southern Utah will kick off its 2026 campaign in California this weekend as they take part in the Gael-Bear Classic. The tournament gives the young Thunderbirds a great opportunity to see how their offseason work translates to the court as they play official matches together for the first time.

The Thunderbirds will play three games in three days as part of the tournament:

• Friday, August 28th, 3:00 PM MT - vs. Gonzaga (2025 Record: 14-15)
• Saturday, August 29th, 8:00 PM MT - vs. Saint Mary's (CA) (2025 Record: 11-18)
  • Watch the Saint Mary's (CA) game on ESPN+
• Sunday, August 30th, 12:00 PM MT - vs. Pacific (2025 Record: 8-21)

Look for Southern Utah to play tough, scrappy defense and quickly counter on offense, ending rallies before opponents can get into a rhythm. The Thunderbirds come into this season with only two returning players from last year on the roster, so these first three matches will be a critical opportunity for incoming freshmen and transfers to prove themselves on the court and earn the trust of the coaching staff moving forward. Meanwhile, returning players Kaitlyn Hoelker and Amanda Mendoza will each look to grow in their second years at SUU. Last season, Hoelker finished second on the team with 162 kills while Mendoza logged 128 digs, which was good for fourth among all Thunderbirds.

Gonzaga

The Bulldogs are looking to continue a rapid turnaround under second-year head coach JT Wenger after improving by 13 wins last season. Gonzaga's defense is poised to be the anchor for this year's squad, with Nia Damuni and Carina Zaldivar both returning on the back line after finishing first and second in digs on last year's squad. The Bulldogs also have both of their top blockers from last season coming back in Dani Johnson and Taylor Walsh.

Saint Mary's

Co-Host Saint Mary's is another team at this tournament, led by a head coach in their second year at the helm, with Tyler Hildebrand looking to improve off of an 11-18 record in his first season calling the shots. Sophomore middle blocker Anaya Thrower will look to take a big step forward for the Gaels this season after a solid freshman season in which she put up 75 blocks and 86 kills, despite dealing with a midseason injury.

Pacific

The Pacific Tigers enter a new era this season under new head coach Jeff Hendershot, hoping for a big rebound this year after an uncharacteristic 8-21 finish last season. With eight returning players on the roster, the Tigers certainly have the experience necessary to turn things around in a hurry. Outside hitter Hannah Koester is the leading scorer from last year among all returning players, recording 122 kills across 24 matches for the Tigers during her freshman campaign.

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Tickets

Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Volleyball season are now available. For more information and to purchase tickets for SUU Volleyball, visit tbirdtickets.com.