SAN ANTONIO -- Head coach Gabby Ording and the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team will open the 2026 season Friday in Baton Rouge, facing a challenging non-conference slate that begins with back-to-back matchups against power-conference opponents LSU and Houston. After a record-setting 2025 campaign, the Cardinals look to capitalize on the opportunity to test themselves early and carry the momentum from last season into the new year.
The Cardinals had one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2025, tying their previous record for the most wins in a season with 17 and setting a new program record for conference wins in the Division I era with 12. UIW also finished with its highest RPI ranking in program history at No. 135. As a team, they ranked among the top-five in the Southland Conference in points, hitting percentage, assists, kills, blocks and digs. They capped the season with their second consecutive appearance in the conference tournament semifinals, sweeping No. 5 Lamar, 3-0.
UIW will look to build on that success under Ording, with a dynamic offense led by veterans Calissa Allison, Vanessa Eregie, Sofia Grimm and Kitana Tu'ufuli and a relentless defense anchored by libero Ashton Rogers. The veteran squad returns 12 players, including four starters from last season's conference tournament run. Among the returners are the Cardinals' top-three leaders in kills, service aces, digs, assists and blocks from a year ago.
Allison will step into an even bigger role this year, contributing as both a setter and a hitter for the Cardinals. Last season, she built upon her impressive freshman year campaign, becoming the single-season assist leader with 901 in UIW Division I history. She has also cemented herself in the NCAA record books, ranking 14th all-time in Division I volleyball in career triple-doubles with 13. She is one of just three active players ranked among the all-time top-20 list. The junior has been the engine behind UIW's success, orchestrating the offense with precision while making an impact in every phase of the game.
The Cardinals welcome five newcomers to the roster, including three freshmen and two transfers, all looking to make an immediate impact. Freshman Teddy Rae Ewers and Mya Cheatum enter the program as state champions after helping their respective high schools capture titles in their senior seasons. Alana Kolb and Victoria Sanchez join UIW through the transfer portal, bringing additional leadership and experience to the roster.
UIW will open the season against two strong opponents, giving them an early chance to compete. Here's a look at what the Cardinals will face in Baton Rouge this weekend.
HOUSTON
WHEN AND WHERE: Friday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m., Maravich Center (Baton Rouge, La.)
ABOUT THE COUGARS: Last season, Houston finished 9-20, placing 16th in the Big 12 conference. The Cougars will feature a nearly entirely new roster in 2026, with 13 newcomers joining the team, including eight transfers and five freshmen. Just five players from last season's roster return, including senior Alyssa Conzales, who posted 242.5 points, 215 kills, 141 digs and 34 blocks last season.
MATCHUP HISTORY: The two teams have met once before, with the Cardinals taking the Cougars to five sets at a non-conference tournament in 2019 before falling 3-2. Friday's matchup will mark the first meeting between UIW and Houston under Ording.
LSU
WHEN AND WHERE: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m., Maravich Center (Baton Rouge, La.)
ABOUT THE TIGERS: Coming off a 13-14 season, the Tigers return 14 players from last season, led by outside hitter Jurnee Robinson, who was named to the 2026 Preseason All-SEC Team. Robinson led the SEC last season with 5.34 points per set and 4.84 kills per set. She headlines a strong offensive front-row unit alongside middle blockers Jessica Jones and Angelina Lee. The duo combined for 278 kills while hitting .300 and recorded 185 total blocks last season. LSU will also debut six newcomers, including two transfers and four freshmen.
MATCHUP HISTORY: Saturday's matchup with LSU will mark the first meeting between the two teams.
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on X @UIWAthletics and on Instagram @uiw_athletics.
Follow the team on X @UIWVolleyball and on Instagram @uiw_volleyball.
