The John Brown University volleyball team started its 2026 season at the Texas Two-Step Invitational in San Antonio, finishing with a 1-3 record. The Golden Eagles secured a five-set win over Kansas Wesleyan but lost the next three matches against the host team and two others. Key players included sophomore Kate Carlson with 35 kills and Tessa Medina leading the assists with 56. Head coach Ken Carver noted the team's resilience despite the mixed results, highlighting opportunities for growth as the season progresses.

By the Numbers
  • Carlson led the team with 35 kills, averaging 2.19 kills per set.
  • Medina contributed 56 assists, averaging 3.50 per set.
  • Mia Bowman recorded 89 digs, averaging 5.56 digs per set.
  • Golden Eagles hit .133 collectively over the tournament.
State of Play
  • Opening weekend results: 1 win (over Kansas Wesleyan), 3 losses.
  • Next tournament: Eutectics Classic in St. Louis, facing four teams including a rematch with William Penn.
What's Next

The Golden Eagles aim to leverage lessons learned from the opening weekend as they prepare for the upcoming Eutectics Classic tournament. Continued development in offensive consistency and teamwork will be crucial for future matches.

Bottom Line

The John Brown University volleyball team is in a formative stage with potential for improvement as they build team dynamics this season. Their resilience and adaptability will be critical factors as they progress through upcoming competitions.