LIVINGSTON, Ala. – After months of offseason preparation, the University of West Alabama volleyball team will get its first opportunity to put a new season into action Friday as the Tigers open the 2026 campaign with two matches at the Bobcat Classic presented by Dyer Construction in Milledgeville, Georgia.

West Alabama begins the weekend against tournament host Georgia College at 10:30 a.m. CT before returning to the Centennial Center floor at 3:30 p.m. CT to take on Albany State.

The opening weekend begins year two under head coach Ed Allen, who enters the season with considerably more familiarity throughout his roster. Ten Tigers return from last year's team, giving UWA an experienced foundation to build on after finishing Allen's first season in Livingston with an 11-17 record.

That returning group includes several of West Alabama's top producers from 2025.

Senior outside hitter Cadence Goeden leads the group after pacing the Tigers with 305 kills and 328.5 points last season. Klára Bobánová returns for her sophomore campaign after recording 267 kills and 240 digs, while junior Katerina Korre contributed 225 kills and 276 digs.

Sophomore middle blocker Jazlyn Snow gives UWA another returning presence at the net after hitting a team-best .298 and recording 60 blocks during her freshman season.

The Tigers also return experience in the back row. Redshirt junior Bailey Keef finished the 2025 season with 191 digs and 32 service aces.

While familiarity is one of UWA's strengths entering the season, the Tigers will also incorporate four newcomers into the lineup.

Freshmen Rachele Zanini of Italy and Bianca Stütz of Austria give West Alabama two new options at setter. Freshman libero/defensive specialist Charlotte Kerscher joins the Tigers from Germany, while junior outside hitter Ola Winiarek comes to Livingston after playing at Central Arizona College.

The combination gives Allen a roster that blends an established returning core with newcomers at several important positions as UWA begins a new season.

Georgia College
Georgia College enters its fourth season under head coach Abigail Wright after finishing the 2025 campaign 16-16 overall and 5-10 in Peach Belt Conference play.

The Bobcats are coming off their best season under Wright after improving from eight victories in 2024 to 16 last fall.

Friday morning's meeting will also serve as the season opener for Georgia College, with the Bobcats beginning their 2026 campaign on their home floor against the Tigers.

Albany State
West Alabama will have a quick turnaround following its opener, returning to the Centennial Center floor at 3:30 p.m. CT for a neutral-site matchup against Albany State.

The Golden Rams will already have one match under their belt by the time they meet UWA, opening the tournament against Carson-Newman at 8 a.m. CT Friday.

The matchup with Albany State will close out the opening day of the 2026 season for the Tigers.

Carson-Newman
West Alabama begins the second day of the Bobcat Classic against Carson-Newman at 9 a.m. CT Saturday.

The Eagles enter the 2026 season after posting a 24-6 record last fall and are led by Cat Collins, who begins her third year at the helm of the Carson-Newman program.

Carson-Newman will play twice Friday before meeting UWA, opening the tournament against Albany State at 8 a.m. CT before facing Southern Wesleyan later in the day.

The meeting with the Eagles will be the third match of the weekend for West Alabama.

Southern Wesleyan
UWA closes its four-match opening weekend against Southern Wesleyan at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday.

The Warriors are coming off a 15-13 campaign in 2025 and enter their fifth season under head coach Anna Collins.

Southern Wesleyan will also have three matches behind it before facing the Tigers, with the Saturday afternoon matchup serving as the final contest of the Bobcat Classic for both teams.

Match Information
Friday, Aug. 28 – Centennial Center | Milledgeville, Ga.

West Alabama at Georgia College
10:30 a.m. CT (11:30 a.m. ET)

West Alabama vs. Albany State
3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. ET)

Saturday, Aug. 29 – Centennial Center | Milledgeville, Ga.
West Alabama vs. Carson-Newman
9 a.m. CT

West Alabama vs. Southern Wesleyan
4:30 p.m. CT

Free live statistics and video will be available for all 10 matches of the Bobcat Classic presented by Dyer Construction through the tournament's official website.

Tickets are available online through Georgia College Athletics. Fans who do not purchase tickets in advance will be able to scan a QR code at the Centennial Center entrance to purchase admission.

Tournament Central:
https://gcsubobcats.com/sports/2026/7/1/2026-bobcat-classic.aspx

Tickets:
gcsubobcats.com/tickets