SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The Central Washington University volleyball team is set to begin the 2023 season with the Yotes Classic Showcase, hosted by Cal State San Bernardino, this Thursday, Aug. 31, through Sept. 2 at The Den on CSUSB's campus.

Head Coach Mario Andaya enters his 28th season at the helm with a challenging non-conference schedule, including four nationally ranked opponents this weekend. The Wildcats will open play against #3 MSU Denver at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, followed by the #19-ranked host Coyotes on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
 
On Saturday, the 'Cats will wrap up competition with another pair of tough squads. First, they'll face #9 Cal State LA, a 2022 national semifinalist, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a matchup with the #18 Regis Rangers at 5:00 p.m.
 
This year's team has lofty expectations, as they were unanimously voted to finish atop the GNAC and return many key pieces to a 2022 team that finished 17-11 (11-7 GNAC) and tied for 3rd in the conference.
 
Among key returners is the GNAC Preseason Player of the Year, Tia Andaya. Andaya enters her third and final season as a Wildcat and put up stellar numbers in 2022. She recorded 2.57 kills, 5.43 assists, and 1.92 digs per set adding four more triple-doubles to her GNAC record-leading total of 12 career triple-doubles.
 
Other notable returners include the reigning NCAA Division II leader in blocks per set, Emma Daoud-Hebert, and 2022 team leaders in kills (Ashley Kaufman) and digs (Hannah Stires).
 
The MSU Denver Roadrunners will provide an immediate challenge for the Wildcats. The #3-ranked team in the nation returned their team leaders in kills (Rylee Hladky), assists (Amela Qershia), and blocks (MiKayla McClinton). In 2022, they won the RMAC in a dominant fashion with an 18-0 conference record.
 
#19 CSUSB is led by returners Ashley Robinson and Marlee Nunley, the Coyotes leaders in kills and assists. The Coyotes posted a record of 20-7 (14-4 CCAA) before having their conference and NCAA tournament runs ended by Cal Poly Pomona.
 
The #9 Golden Eagles brought back all of their statistical leaders from their 2022 campaign that ended in the NCAA National Semifinal. They bolstered a 25-7 (16-2 CCAA) record last year and defeated the Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA West Regional.
 
#18 Regis returned a class of six seniors, some of whom include the 2022 team leaders in kills, assists, and digs. The Rangers were the runner-up in the RMAC with a 22-8 (16-2 RMAC) record.