BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University's volleyball team has released its 2026 schedule, highlighted by 11 home matches.

Last season, LU finished 17-15 overall and 10-6 in conference play, recording back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2008-2009.

Finishing fifth in conference play, the Cardinals were able to make back-to-back trips to the conference tournament for the first time since 2010-2011.

The Cardinals will open the season with two exhibition matches, facing Houston Christian at home on Aug. 15 and Texas State on the road on Aug. 22.

LU's official season opener comes at the Wildcat Classic in Abilene, where the Cardinals will take on Cal State Bakersfield, Abilene Christian and North Texas beginning Aug. 28.

LU then travels to Lynchburg, Va. for matches against Liberty and High Point on Sept. 4-5.

The Cardinals will face their first Power 4 opponent since 2023 with a midweek trip to Houston on Sept. 8 before heading to the Southern Miss Invitational.

That tournament, scheduled for Sept. 11-12, features matchups against Southern, Southern Miss and Jackson State.

After a midweek contest at Prairie View A&M on Sept. 15, LU concludes a 10-match road stretch by returning home to host the Lamar Invitational from Sept. 18-19.

North Dakota, Sam Houston and UL Monroe will compete in the tournament.

Southland Conference play begins at home for the Cardinals, who will host New Orleans on Sept. 24 and Southeastern Louisiana on Sept. 26.

The Southland Conference tournament is scheduled for Nov. 20-22 at A&M-Corpus Christi.