BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University head coach Brandon Crisp is entering his second season with the Cardinal volleyball program, and it will be a new look squad for the upcoming 2023 season. Big Red returns just three players and one starter from last season's team as Crisp and his staff have completely rebuilt the roster.
 
The 2023 version of the Cardinals consists of 11 newcomers to the lineup, including three transfers (two NCAA Division I transfers). The newcomers are Monique Gonzalez (5-1, Fr., L), Emily Moon (6-2, Fr. OH), Christina Dauster (6-2, Fr., MB), Jo Moffitt (5-9, Fr., S), Gracie Cassidy (6-3, Fr., MB), Jordan Gipson (5-10, Fr., OH), Jodie Edmonds (5-8, Fr., S), Lauren Tishkoff (6-2, Sr., OH), Freedom Stephenson (5-4, Jr., L), Lyric Jordan (6-2, Fr., OH) and Sydnee Griffen (6-0, OH, Fr.).
 
The returning letterwinners include Wiktoria Warpechowska (6-0, MB, Sr.), Kaeden Robinson (5-4, Fr., L) and Taisha Rhone (6-0, Fr., OH). Warpechowska is the team's top returning scorer from last season with 293.5 points (209 kills/100 blocks/26 aces).
 
Big Red's youthful squad opens the year with 12 matches on the road including the season opener Friday in the Canes Classic. Hosted by the University of Miami, the Cardinals will face Florida International (in what amounts to a home match for the Golden Panthers) Friday at 3 p.m., followed by a noon match against Maryland Saturday.
 
The trip to Miami presents a couple of firsts for the Red and White. It marks the first time in program history that LU has squared off against either FIU or Maryland.
 
Following the two-match series in Miami, the Cardinals will return to the Lone Star State to compete in the Roadrunner Classic Friday, Sept. 1^st through Saturday, Sept. 2^nd. During that two-day stop in the Alamo City, the Cardinals face UTSA, Tarleton State and Delaware.