Memphis Volleyball Opens 2026 Campaign in Nashville

Friday, August 28

Nashville, Tenn.

6 p.m.

University of Memphis

Lipscomb

Memphis Volleyball Opens 2026 Campaign in Nashville

Aug 27, 2026 | Volleyball

Game Notes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. The University of Memphis volleyball team opens its 2026 season in Nashville on Aug. 28, competing in three non-conference matches across two venues.

The Tigers kick off the weekend at Lipscomb's Allen Arena on Friday, Aug. 28 against the host Bisons at 6 p.m. on ESPN+. On Saturday, Aug. 29, Memphis travels across town to face Vanderbilt inside Memorial Gymnasium at 4 p.m. on SECN+. The Tigers then return to Allen Arena on Sunday, Aug. 30 to wrap up the weekend against the College of Charleston at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Memphis comes into the 2026 season after finishing 11-20 (2-14 American) in the first year under head coach Cheri Lindsay Jones, ending the 2025 campaign with a road victory against East Carolina.

The 2026 roster includes nine returners: Arianna Mongare, Taylor Hampton, Abigail Schlueter, Janyah Henderson, Gẻnesis Rodriguez, Amanda Hardt, Za'Niya Boyles, Zaniah Hoskins and Sydney Marshall.

Along with those key returners, 10 newcomers join the 2026 squad, including four freshmen: Kaylee Parker, Jordan Turner, Dawn Moore and Brooklyn Bailey. The six transfers are Lexi Pendleton (North Alabama), Caitlyn Little (Illinois State), Tori Hill (South Carolina), Tewa Woodson (Charlotte), Paige Mock (Frostburg State) and Lily Hamilton (Sam Houston State).

Hardt was named to the 2026 American Conference All-Conference Preseason List, while the Tigers were voted 10th in the coaches' poll, receiving 45 points.
Hoskins returns after a dominant freshman season where she was named to the 2025 American Conference All-Freshman Team. The sophomore led the Tigers offensively with 314 kills and 30 service aces.

SCOUTING THE FIELD

Lipscomb enters the 2026 season after going 14-13 (10-6 ASUN) in 2025 and making an appearance in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, falling in the opening round to 2025 ASUN Champion Central Arkansas. The Bisons are led by first-year head coach Sarah Baldwin, who takes over the helm after serving as an assistant with the program since 2023.

Vanderbilt is entering year two of its volleyball program in 2026 after reinstating the sport in 2025 following its program discontinuation after the 1979–80 season. In their 2025 inaugural reboot season, the Commodores went 9-18 (3-12 SEC) under the direction of Anders Nelson, securing tournament wins over Mississippi State and Georgia to advance to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals before falling to Texas A&M.

The College of Charleston enters the 2026 campaign following an 18-10 (12-4 CAA) record during the 2025 season. After making an appearance in the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament, the Cougars were selected first in the CAA Preseason Coaches' Poll heading into this year, featuring Preseason All-CAA honors for Caroline Noonan and Jumana Martin alongside an Honorable Mention nod for Gabby Tuiaana.

SERIES AGAINST THE BISONS, COMMODORES & COUGARS
This is the second all-time meeting between Memphis and Lipscomb, with the Tigers winning the first game on Sept. 8, 2006, in Memphis. The Tigers and Cougars are facing off for the fifth time ever, with Memphis holding a one-game advantage. The last game was in 2012 when College of Charleston defeated Memphis in Charleston. Saturday will be the first-ever meeting between Memphis and Vanderbilt.

Season Tickets Available Now
The 2026 season tickets are now on sale. Fans can purchase season tickets by visiting HERE.

Season tickets start at $75 plus fees with general admission chairback and floor seating options available. If you are interested in Libero Row floor seating, please contact the Memphis Athletic Fund at maf@memphis.edu for more information.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Volleyball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.