LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University women's volleyball is set to open its season this coming weekend at the Capital City Classic hosted by the University of Illinois-Springfield. The Bearcats play on Friday at 11 a.m. followed by a doubleheader on Saturday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  

In McKendree's first game on Friday, the Bearcats will face Missouri Western State University, a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The two teams meet for the first time since August of 2018 at the Capital Classic Tournament. At the time of the matchup, the Griffons will have played their season opener against Illinois-Springfield.  

On Saturday, McKendree begins the day facing Texas A&M International University for the first time in women's volleyball history. The Dust Devils, hailing from Laredo, Texas, represent the Lone Star Conference. Prior to the Saturday morning game, Texas A&M International will play Arkansas Tech and the host Prairie Stars on Friday.  

In the afternoon session on Saturday, the Bearcats take on Arkansas Tech University and look to keep the advantage over the Golden Suns as McKendree secured the win over Arkansas Tech in 2012. The Golden Suns are a member of the Great American Conference.  

All games will be held at The Recreation and Athletics Center on the campus of the University of Illinois-Springfield. Admission is $8 per person for a single-day pass or $15 for a tournament pass and can be purchased on-site with cash only. The tournament will also be streamed on the GLVC Sports Network and can be accessed via pay-per-view.