Stephen F. Austin
Kats host Battle of the Piney Woods
9/7/2026 11:34:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston volleyball team returns to Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Tuesday evening for a Battle of the Piney Woods midweek matchup against Stephen F. Austin. Â
The Bearkats enter the matchup at 5-1 on the season after closing the Maverick Classic with back-to-back victories Saturday. Sam Houston swept Kent State 3-0 before rallying past UT Arlington 3-2 to finish the tournament 2-1. The 5-1 start is the program's best since opening the 2021 season with a 6-1 record. Â
Through six matches, Chloe Monson leads the Bearkats with 86 kills, while freshman setter Brenlin Garlitz has recorded a team-high 106 assists. Shaelin White has anchored the Sam Houston defense with 104 digs, while Rachelle Reed leads the team at the net with 29 blocks. Annika Brooks has posted a team-best .263 hitting percentage, while Bella Wood leads the Bearkats with nine service aces.Â
SFA enters Tuesday's matchup with a 2-3 record. The Lumberjacks opened the season with losses to Idaho State and Wichita State before earning a five-set victory over Missouri State. SFA then defeated Loyola Chicago 3-1 before falling to California 3-2 in its most recent match.Â
The Bearkats hold a 41-42 all-time record against the Lumberjacks. Sam Houston won the most recent meeting, earning a 3-1 victory at SFA in 2025. Â
First serve is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.Â
The matchup will be streamed on ESPN+, with live statistics also available.
