BEAUMONT, Texas – As the start of the season inches closer, Lamar University volleyball travels west to take on Texas State in an exhibition match Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
Head coach Ariel Apolinario arrives in Beaumont after four seasons at Navarro College where he built the Bulldogs into an NJCAA power. He inherits a youthful Cardinal squad featuring eight sophomores and eight freshmen as he looks to build up the program.
 
Lyric Jordan returns to the squad after recording the most kills by a Lamar freshman since Cortney Moore and Autumn Taylor in 2014 which saw her receive preseason All-SLC second team honors on Thursday. Taisha Rhone and Jordan Gipson also hope for stellar sophomore campaigns as the team looks to establish its identity early in the season.
 
The regular season begins for the Cardinals on August 30 against Miami (OH) as they head to Virginia for a tournament at Norfolk State. Big Red's home opener comes on Sept. 17 against Prairie View A&M at 6 p.m. in McDonald Gym.