BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Spring Arbor University women's volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a strong showing at the Tigers Kickoff Invite, posting a 3-1 record over four matches Friday and Saturday at Olivet Nazarene University.
The Cougars got off to a fast start Friday, defeating Mount Marty University 3-1 before sweeping Lindsey Wilson College 3-0. The Blue Raiders entered the season receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
Spring Arbor returned to the court Saturday and battled another team receiving votes, Montana Tech, in a five-set match. The Cougars came up just short in a 3-2 decision but responded by closing out the weekend with a 3-0 sweep of host Olivet Nazarene.
SAU featured a balanced attack throughout the tournament with three players recording at least 35 kills. Senior Isabelle Kirkdendall led the way with 37 kills across the four matches, while freshman
Melissa Staufer made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut with 36.
Senior middle
Keely Hinzman added 35 kills while hitting an impressive .412 for the weekend. Hinzman also made her presence felt at the net and from the service line, leading the Cougars with 16 total blocks and nine service aces.
Setters
Camy Wedge and
Gabby Bryja directed the Spring Arbor offense, finishing the weekend with 89 and 70 assists, respectively.
Defensively,
Palmer Fortress paced the Cougars with 67 digs over the four matches.
Spring Arbor (3-1) now returns home for its first match of the season inside the McDonald Athletic Center. The Cougars will host Madonna University on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m.
