BEAUMONT, Texas — On Thursday morning, the Lamar University volleyball team returned to the court for its first preseason practice of the 2025 season.

The Cardinals are 16 days away from their exhibition match against Texas State on Saturday, Aug. 23 in the McDonald Gym.

"It's kind of like the first day back to school. We know the energy and effort are going to be there," said second-year head coach Ariel Apolinario. "I think the most exciting part is trying to put the pieces together."

There are a few new faces on the court as the coaching staff added six players to go along with the 11 returning letterwinners.

Emily Moon, Jo Moffitt, Taisha Rhone and Lyric Jordan make up the four returning upperclassmen.

One other key returner includes Maja Malinowska who led the offense with 335 kills and 379 points last fall.

LU is trying to keep its momentum going after going 15-14 last season, the program's first winning record since 2009.

The Cardinals were seeded seventh at the Southland Conference tournament, making the program's first trip to the postseason since 2011.

LU has 12 home matches, not including the season-opening exhibition.

The annual Lamar Invitational takes place Sept. 19-20 with Cal State Fullerton, Texas Southern and Abilene Christian in the field of competition.

The Cardinals begin the regular season with a trip to the Stetson Hatter Invitational in DeLand, Fla., where they take on Northern Illinois on Friday, Aug. 29.

"There's a lot of moving parts. We have some positions that are still open," Apolinario added. "We will have plenty of opportunities and the girls will have plenty of chances to go out there and perform."