The 2016 Tarleton State University TexAnn Volleyball team is gearing up for their upcoming season. They have their opening game at the Brasfield Invitational on September 2 at the Junnel Center in San Angelo, Texas.

The TexAnns are lead by 12-year head coach, Mary Schindler.

During their explosive 2015 season, the TexAnn volleyball team finished with a 27-7 record, as well as being named Lone Star Conference Champions.

Coach Schindler is looking to carry that momentum into the 2016 season.

During her 11 seasons at Tarleton, Coach Schindler has lead the TexAnns to the LSC Tournament nine of out 11 years.

This year, Tarleton will also host an invitational tournament on September 8. Schools such as Lubbock Christian University, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Colorado Mesa University and Colorado Christian to play in Wisdom Gym.

“In the past when we’ve hosted, we’d be fortunate to get anyone who would come,” Schindler said. “Now we can get the right teams. We can play those regionally ranked teams. It’ll be tough; its exciting, but it’ll be a challenge.”

With the addition of Western New Mexico University and the University of Texas at Permian Basin into the LSC, Schindler is expecting challenges to be faced from both teams.

“UTPB has a new coach [Tim Loesch], so they’re going to come on. Western New Mexico is big, they’re tall and they’re going to have more size then what we see typically. And we’re going to see a new style of volleyball. Both of them will impose different challenges for sure.”

The TexAnns open their 2016 season September 2 against St. Mary’s University at the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational at the Junell Center in San Angelo, Texas.