ALBANY, Ga. — The Albany State University volleyball team is set to open the 2026 season this weekend, competing in four matches at the Bobcat Classic on Friday and Saturday in Milledgeville, Georgia.
Coming off a strong 2025 campaign that included a 15-4 record in SIAC play, the Lady Golden Rams will look to build on last season's success as they begin a new year under ninth-year Head Women's Volleyball Coach Verniece Graham.
Albany State will open the tournament Friday at 9 a.m. against Carson-Newman before returning to the court at 4:30 p.m. to face the University of West Alabama. The Lady Golden Rams will play two more matches Saturday, taking on Southern Wesleyan at 11:30 a.m. before closing out the weekend against tournament host Georgia College at 7 p.m.
The Lady Golden Rams return an experienced group of upperclassmen from last season's squad, led by senior outside hitter Jarianis Perez. The Jacksonville, Florida native enters the season after earning First Team Preseason All-SIAC honors following a standout 2025 campaign. Perez appeared in 112 sets and recorded a team-high 336 kills, along with 19 assists, 46 service aces, 272 digs and 38 blocks. Her 336 kills ranked fifth in the SIAC.
Albany State also welcomes back senior libero Myra Lopez, senior Gabby Moore, senior setters Trinity Britt and Liannette Burgos, and senior middle hitter Shaniya Banks. Maya Ogbogu also returns to provide another experienced piece for the Lady Golden Rams this season.
Along with its returning core, Albany State will look for several underclassmen to make an early impact. Amiria Anderson, Aurora Rieck, Jayda Fleming and Jaelynn Brown, to name a few, are among the younger players who will have opportunities to contribute as the Lady Golden Rams work to establish their rotation early in the season.
The Bobcat Classic will provide Albany State with four early-season tests as the Lady Golden Rams begin their pursuit of another successful season and prepare for SIAC competition.
Bobcat Classic Schedule
Friday, August 28, 2026
9 a.m.: Albany State vs. Carson-Newman | Live Stats | Watch Live
4:30 p.m.: Albany State vs. West Alabama | Live Stats | Watch Live
Saturday, August 29, 2026
11:30 a.m.: Albany State vs. Southern Wesleyan | Live Stats | Watch Live
7 p.m.: Albany State vs. Georgia College | Live Stats | Watch Live
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of ASU Athletics, follow us on social media @asugoldenrams (Instagram), @ASUGoldenRams (X), Albany State Golden Rams (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Golden Rams at www.asugoldenrams.com.
ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 12 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
