BOLIVAR, Mo. — Southwest Baptist University women's volleyball enters the 2026 season with plenty of young talent returning as the Bearcats look to build on the foundation they established a year ago.

SBU featured one of the youngest rosters in the Great Lakes Valley Conference last season, giving several underclassmen valuable experience. With many of those players returning, the Bearcats will look to turn that experience into success in 2026.

The season begins Aug. 28-29 at the Missouri Southern Tournament in Joplin, Missouri. SBU will play four matches over the two-day tournament, facing Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University and host Missouri Southern State University. Match times are still to be determined.

The four-match opening weekend will give the Bearcats an early opportunity to see how their returning talent has developed and prepare for the challenges ahead in the 2026 season.

One of the biggest names returning for SBU is sophomore outside hitter Gabriela Dupree. Dupree finished fifth in the GLVC in kills last season and has already made her mark in the SBU record book. Her single season average of 3.68 kills per set currently ranks fourth in program history.

Kailey Sexton also returns to help anchor the Bearcats at the net after finishing third in the GLVC in blocks last season. With Dupree and Sexton leading a talented group of returners, the Bearcats have the potential to feature one of the strongest front rows in the conference.

Leading SBU for his seventh season is head coach James Hanger. Prior to last season, Hanger guided the Bearcats to three consecutive 14-win campaigns. With another year of experience throughout the roster, SBU will look to return to that level of success and continue climbing the GLVC standings.

The Bearcats will make their first home appearance of the season during the SBU Invitational beginning Sept. 4 in Bolivar.

For the latest information on SBU women's volleyball and all Bearcat athletics, visit SBUBearcats.com.