NASHVILLE — Tennessee State volleyball will open the 2026 regular season with three matches at the Chattanooga Classic, hosted by Chattanooga at Maclellan Gymnasium.

The Tigers begin the weekend Friday at 3 p.m. CT against host Chattanooga before returning Saturday for a doubleheader against UAB at noon and Valparaiso at 3 p.m.

Tennessee State enters opening weekend after getting its first live competition of the fall in an exhibition at Memphis on Aug. 22. TSU improved throughout the three-set match, producing its strongest offensive performance in the third set before falling 27-25.

The Tigers finished with 22 kills, 20 assists, 25 digs and five blocks against Memphis. Sydney Robinson led TSU with six kills and added the Tigers' lone service ace, while Carsyn Stansberry finished with five kills. Wiktoria Jakubik added four kills and a team-high four blocks, while Melae Lacy recorded three blocks.

TSU's offense found its rhythm in the third set, finishing with 13 kills and a .194 hitting percentage after combining for nine kills over the opening two sets.

Defensively, Jordan Imperial led the Tigers with 12 digs. Triniti Jackson finished with eight assists and three digs, while Mimi Harris and Italya Carter added four assists apiece.

The Chattanooga Classic will give head coach Donika Sutton and the Tigers their first regular-season opportunity to build on the exhibition while continuing to develop a roster that combines returning experience with several newcomers.

Jackson and Brie Blevins enter the season as Tennessee State's representatives on the OVC Players to Watch list. Returners Stansberry, Julia Culpepper and Imperial provide additional experience as TSU works to establish its rotation during the opening portion of the nonconference schedule.

Scouting Chattanooga

Chattanooga will provide the first test of the regular season Friday afternoon as the Tigers face the tournament host at 3 p.m.

The matchup opens a three-match weekend for TSU and will be the Tigers' only contest Friday before Saturday's doubleheader.

Scouting UAB

Tennessee State returns Saturday at noon to face UAB.

The match begins a quick turnaround for the Tigers, who will play twice in a three-hour span to close the tournament. The schedule will provide an early test of TSU's depth as the Tigers continue evaluating rotations and combinations.

Scouting Valparaiso

TSU concludes the Chattanooga Classic against Valparaiso at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The tournament finale will complete a stretch of three matches in approximately 24 hours and give Tennessee State another opportunity to build consistency before continuing its nonconference schedule.

Chattanooga Classic Schedule

Friday, Aug. 28
Tennessee State at Chattanooga — 3 p.m. CT

Saturday, Aug. 29
Tennessee State vs. UAB — Noon CT
Tennessee State vs. Valparaiso — 3 p.m. CT

Friday's match against Chattanooga will be streamed on ESPN+. Live stats will be available for all three matches.