The Rockhurst women's volleyball team opens the 2025 season this weekend at the Fort Hays State Tiger Invitational in Hays, Kansas.

On Friday, Rockhurst faces Cameron at 9 a.m. and Northwest Missouri State at 4:30 p.m. The Hawks play Arkansas Tech at 11:30 a.m. and Fort Hays State at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Last year, the Hawks finished with a 21-8 record and posted a 10-3 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, earning their 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Rockhurst was picked to finish third in this year's GLVC preseason coaches' poll.

"Our schedule will present some early challenges that hopefully prepare us for conference play," said head coach Trent Jones. "The travel will provide time for not only growth on the court but also great team building and bonding. Our trip to Alaska will be an experience of a lifetime and something our group will share well past the 2025 season."

Rockhurst's first 14 matches are away from home. After this weekend, Rockhurst heads to Fairbanks, Alaska for the Ice Block Classic from Sept. 11-13 and the Truman State Tournament from Sept. 19-20 in Kirksville, Missouri.

The Hawks face William Jewell on Sept. 27 in Liberty, Missouri to begin GLVC action and play Central Missouri on Sept. 30 in Warrensburg, Missouri before their home opener on Oct. 3 against Drury.

Rockhurst graduated five starters from last year's team, but still has a strong mix of returners and newcomers entering the 2025 season.

"The most exciting aspect of the upcoming season is change," Jones said. "We have quite a few new faces in the lineup.

"The other enjoyable aspect is all the competition for positions," Jones continued. We will enter non-conference play still trying to find the right mix, which is new for us."

Senior outside hitter Sarah Pyle and junior middle hitter Ali Olson headline the returnees after earning All-GLVC Second Team honors. Pyle ranked 16th in the GLVC with 319 kills. Olson finished 10th in the conference with 93 total blocks.

Junior right side hitter Alyssa McDonald, sophomore outside hitter Chloe Tyrrell and junior setter Molly Trachta are coming off impressive performances last year. A few of the top newcomers include Geme Ajekwu, Avery DeLong, Mary Kate Mulvaney and Katie Vargo.

Jones likes where the team is heading into the season. "Overall, practice has been spirited and competitive. Players have stepped up and provided quality play. Our team chemistry is an ongoing process. We have a mantra that we are leaning into, and I feel like we are all going in the same direction."