The Bruins volleyball team has released their 2026 season schedule, marking the beginning of a new era with Head Coach Anthony Bennett at the helm.

"As we gear up for the season, a lot of hard work will go into the preparation for our matches this year, both on the court and in the weight room," Head Coach Anthony Bennett said. "We have a young core that will improve so much as they grow closer to one another and work hard each and every day, so the sky's the limit for this group!"

This season, the Bruins are looking to get back on top both regionally and nationally. Last season, they made it to the region championship and national championship and fell short in both finishing the season with a 20-17 record.

The regular season begins with a tri-match hosted by Truett McConnell University (TMU) on August 29 where the Bruins will play the TMU Bears and the Point University Skyhawks. Two in-season tournaments follow: The Cougar Classic hosted by Averett University and the NCCAA South Regional Kickoff hosted by Pensacola Christian College.

"I'm eagerly looking forward to a lot of travel early in the season, especially the Regional Kickoff Tournament," said Coach Bennett. "We will see many of the teams in this tournament later on in our schedule, so it will be a great indicator as to where we can improve in order to perform at our best."

The Bruins play their first of eight home matches this season on September 8 when they will host Truett McConnell University. It is a very "away-heavy" schedule this year but the Bruins play seven home matches in row from September 16-October 3.

A big day for the Bruins later in the season is when they go to the University of Toccoa Falls to take on the Screaming Eagles and the Baptist University of Florida Eagles in tri-match. This will serve as a great way to prepare for the region tournament. 

This year the NCCAA DII South Region Tournament will be hosted at Bob Jones University in the Davis Field House on November 6-7. The Bruins are excited to play in front of a home crowd while they try to get back on top of the region.

"I believe the competition level throughout the season presents a positive challenge that will suit us well to compete for a National Championship," exclaimed Coach Bennett.

The full 2026 season schedule can be seen here.