FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball is set to serve up the 2026 campaign Friday and Saturday as the Lions take part in the Bettye Wallace Invitational in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

The Lions will open the season against UT Dallas Friday at 9 a.m. followed by a matchup against Cameron at 3:30 p.m. Saturday sees UAFS face Augustana at 9 a.m. and host Henderson State at 3 p.m. All four matches will be played at HSU's Duke Wells Center.

Live stats and streaming coverage for each match can be found at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST SEASON: UAFS will look to bounce back after a 13-16 season in 2025.

SEASON OPENER: The Lions are 12-5 in season openers as an NCAA II member.

KEY RETURNERS: UAFS returns four starters from a year ago, led by sophomore outside hitter Lydia Pitts and sophomore libero Abbey Jackson. Pitts led the Lions with 289 kills and totaled 277 digs while Jackson had a team-best 388 digs.

NEW FACES: The Lions have 10 newcomers this season including six freshman and four transfers. Setter Mayli Whetter transfers in from MIAA foe Central Oklahoma while freshmen outside hitter Codi Jackson and freshman middle blocker Emily Parker are expected to contribute this year.

SCOUTING UTD: The Comets are in their first year of full NCAA II membership and went 9-19 a season ago. They return 12 players overall and five starters, and a led by libero Mari Hernandez.

SCOUTING CU: The Aggies went 7-23 a year ago and will be under the direction of first-year head coach Danlynn Silva. The Aggies return two of their top three hitters in Anastasija Andelic and Presleigh Roest. 

SCOUTING AU: The Vikings went 14-14 in 2025 but return four of their top hitters as well as their starting setter and libero.

SCOUTING HSU: The Reddies posted a 15-16 overall record in 2025 with an 11-8 mark at home. Outside hitter Kelis Battles returns to lead the Reddies on offense while 2025 GAC Defensive Player of the Year Kaylon Partain anchors the defense.

THE SERIES: This will be the inaugural meeting between the Lions and UT Dallas, while UAFS is 11-2 versus Cameron, 1-0 against Augustana and 3-0 against Henderson State.

HEAD COACH: Jane Sargent enters her 29^th season leading the Lions with a career record of 776-230.