TUCSON, Ariz. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team will serve off its 2026 season this weekend, beginning its campaign at the University of Arizona's Wildcat Classic. Beginning on Friday, Aug. 28, the Gauchos will face three teams throughout the weekend as their first trials of the season. 

UC Santa Barbara will open against Tarleton State on Friday at 3:30 p.m. PT for the first match of the season. It will be the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

The Gauchos will face Prairie View A&M on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10:00 a.m. PT for the second round of the tournament, also playing the Lady Panthers for the first time in history. 

Finally, the Gauchos will wrap up against the host team, taking on Arizona on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 12:30 p.m. PT. The teams last played one another in 2013, with the Wildcats coming away with a 3-2 win. 

SCOUTING SANTA BARBARA
In their last time out, the Gauchos reached the second round of the 2025 Big West Championships, first defeating CSUN 3-0 then falling to UC Davis 3-1. 

This season, they return 2025 Big West Freshman of the Year Gabi Martinez alongside eight teammates. Eight newcomers also join the squad, as well as new Head Coach Michael Henchy. 

WHERE TO WATCH
Friday and Saturday's matches will be streamed on FloSports, while Sunday against Arizona will be on ESPN+. Live stats are available at ucsbgauchos.com.