UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The volleyball season is back as the defending Big South Champions open the 2026 season at the Penn State Invitational this upcoming weekend. The High Point University volleyball team is set to play a three-game series at Rec Hall in University Park, Pennsylvania from August 28-30.

"Rec Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in college volleyball," Head Coach Ryn Meek stated, "and we're lucky and excited to open our season at Penn State. We return a majority of our production from our 2025 team and are looking forward to beginning a new journey together this weekend. The opportunity to compete for our fourth straight Big South Conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance is here and we're ready to battle for it."
 
The Matchups
In the opening game, HPU will take on UConn in the programs first matchup with the Huskies since 2007. UConn finished the 2025 season 19-9 overall and 8-8 in the BIG EAST and were picked seventh in the BIG EAST preseason poll. The Huskies added eight newcomers to the 2026 roster after losing four key contributors. UConn is coached by Ellen Herman-Kimball who enters her eighth season at the helm.
 
On Saturday High Point will face Hofstra for the first time since 2010. The Pride finished the 2025 season 22-4 overall and 13-3 in the CAA, falling in the Championship game 3-2 to Campbell. Beatriz Braga was named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year while Constanza Perez Sain made the Preseason All-CAA team. Hofstra is coached by Emily Mansur who enters her first season at the helm after serving as an assistant coach since 2013.
 
Closing out the first tournament weekend, the Panthers take on the host, Penn State who finished the 2025 season with an overall record on 19-12 and 12-8 in the Big Ten Conference. The Nittany Lions defeated South Florida in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Texas. Kennedy Martin and Alexis Stucky were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten team prior to the season. Penn State is coached by Katie Schumacher-Cawley who enters her fifth season with the Nittany Lions.
 
Weekend Schedule
 
Volleyball– Penn State Invitational vs UConn
Friday, August 28 | 6 p.m. | University Park, Pa. | Rec Hall
Watch live B1G+ | Livestats

Records: High Point 0-0, UConn 0-0
Last Time Meeting: August 31, 2007 | Result: UConn won 3-0
All-time Record: UConn leads 1-0

Volleyball– Penn State Invitational vs Hofstra
Saturday, August 29 | 11:30 a.m. | University Park, Pa. | Rec Hall
Watch live B1G+ | Livestats

Records: High Point 0-0, Hofstra 0-0
Last Time Meeting: September 10, 2010 | Result: Hofstra won 2-3
All-time Record: Hofstra leads 1-0.
 
Volleyball– Penn State Invitational at #10 Penn State
Sunday, August 30 | 10 a.m. | University Park, Pa. | Rec Hall
Watch live B1G+ | Livestats

Records: High Point 0-0, PSU 0-0
*First Time Meeting
 
How to Watch on the B1G+ Network
Fans can take advantage of a special offer to purchase a monthly B1G+ pass for $4.99 (originally $12.99). After following the provided link below, fans can select the "Claim Offer" option on the main screen to receive one month of access to B1G+. The offer is available on the web only and cannot be purchased through mobile devices, though matches can be viewed on mobile and connected devices. The offer expires at 11:59 p.m. PT on Aug. 30.
 
https://www.bigtenplus.com/en-int/page/penn-state-invitational?couponCode=VB26
 
 
Be sure to stay up to date with HPU Volleyball by following us on Instagram (@highpointvb), Facebook (@High Point University Volleyball) and X (@HPUVB).