Thunderbirds Journey to California for First Tournament of New Season

CEDAR CITY, UTAH — The new Women’s Volleyball season has lastly arrived, and Southern Utah will kick off its 2026 marketing campaign in California this weekend as they participate within the Gael-Bear Classic. The match offers the younger Thunderbirds an ideal alternative to see how their offseason work interprets to the courtroom as they play official matches collectively for the primary time.

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The Thunderbirds will play three video games in three days as a part of the match:

• Friday, August twenty eighth, 3:00 PM MT – vs. Gonzaga (2025 Record: 14-15)
• Saturday, August twenty ninth, 8:00 PM MT – vs. Saint Mary’s (CA) (2025 Record: 11-18)
  • Watch the Saint Mary’s (CA) sport on ESPN+

• Sunday, August thirtieth, 12:00 PM MT – vs. Pacific (2025 Record: 8-21)

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Look for Southern Utah to play powerful, scrappy protection and rapidly counter on offense, ending rallies earlier than opponents can get right into a rhythm. The Thunderbirds come into this season with solely two returning gamers from final 12 months on the roster, so these first three matches will likely be a crucial alternative for incoming freshmen and transfers to show themselves on the courtroom and earn the belief of the teaching employees shifting ahead. Meanwhile, returning gamers Kaitlyn Hoelker and Amanda Mendoza will every look to develop of their second years at SUU. Last season, Hoelker completed second on the staff with 162 kills whereas Mendoza logged 128 digs, which was good for fourth amongst all Thunderbirds.

Gonzaga

The Bulldogs need to proceed a fast turnaround beneath second-year head coach JT Wenger after bettering by 13 wins final season. Gonzaga’s protection is poised to be the anchor for this 12 months’s squad, with Nia Damuni and Carina Zaldivar each returning on the again line after ending first and second in digs on final 12 months’s squad. The Bulldogs even have each of their prime blockers from final season coming again in Dani Johnson and Taylor Walsh.

Saint Mary’s

Co-Host Saint Mary’s is one other staff at this match, led by a head coach of their second 12 months on the helm, with Tyler Hildebrand seeking to enhance off of an 11-18 report in his first season calling the photographs. Sophomore center blocker Anaya Thrower will look to take a giant step ahead for the Gaels this season after a strong freshman season through which she put up 75 blocks and 86 kills, regardless of coping with a midseason damage.

Pacific

The Pacific Tigers enter a brand new period this season beneath new head coach Jeff Hendershot, hoping for a giant rebound this 12 months after an uncharacteristic 8-21 end final season. With eight returning gamers on the roster, the Tigers definitely have the expertise vital to show issues round in a rush. Outside hitter Hannah Koester is the main scorer from final 12 months amongst all returning gamers, recording 122 kills throughout 24 matches for the Tigers throughout her freshman marketing campaign.

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Follow Us

Stay updated on the Thunderbirds Volleyball program by following @SUUVolleyball on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Volleyball web page on Facebook.

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Tickets

Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Volleyball season are actually out there. For extra data and to buy tickets for SUU Volleyball, go to tbirdtickets.com.