HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston volleyball team kicks off its second season of Conference USA against Middle Tennessee at Johnson Coliseum on Thursday. 

Sam Houston finished non-conference play 5-6. Most recently Chelsea Butler and Lylah Washington earned a spot on the all-tournament team at the Bearkat Classic, where the Kats went 1-1 this past weekend.  

The Bearkats aim to improve after finishing their inaugural season in CUSA with a 1-10 record. The freshman class has made its mark in the first few weeks with every member seeing court time ahead of conference play. A freshman ranks on the leaderboard in four of the five statistical categories. 

The Bearkats are 1-2 all time against the Blue Raiders. All matches between the two programs has ended in a sweep with the first favoring the Bearkats in 1990.  

Thursday's match will be broadcasted on ESPN+, with Collin Neill on the call. It can also be followed via Statbroadcast.