DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College women's volleyball team will begin their 2026 campaign at home against the Monmouth College Fighting Scots on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m.
 
Entering her sixth season at the helm, head coach Kristy Duncan will lead a youthful Loras squad into the new year after graduating a large group from last season's team.
 
"We are looking forward to a new look this year," Duncan said. "We graduated a large group last spring, so we have a lot of youth and energy in our gym. We have several players who have been patiently waiting for their turns to shine, and they are excited for the opportunity to get out on the court and compete."
 
One familiar face returning to the Loras attack is senior pin Cat Meyer. The four-year starter finished second on the team with 234 kills last season while averaging 2.46 kills per set and will be a valuable senior leader for the Purple and Gold.
 
Among those looking to take advantage of a larger opportunity is senior Kyra Kuehn. After appearing in 24 sets last season, Kuehn enters 2026 poised to take on a bigger role in the Loras offense.
 
"She is an incredibly hard worker who is very dangerous when she plays with confidence," Duncan said about Kuehn.
 
The Duhawks also return experience at setter position behind sophomore Alyssa Daughenbaugh, who led the team with 509 assists during her freshman season. Daughenbaugh is joined at the position by fellow sophomore Isabel Hart and senior Emily Mohr.
 
While several returners will step into larger roles, a talented freshman class will also have an opportunity to make an early impact.
 
"Our returners have done a great job of welcoming a very talented group of first-year student-athletes," Duncan said. "We are gelling really well as a group and the chemistry is strong."
 
Local product Cydney Tath is among the newcomers expected to contribute right away on the outside, while Grace Cummins brings a disciplined mindset to the Duhawk defense.
 
After their match up with the Scots, the Duhawks will travel to Jacksonville, Ill. to compete in the Lady Blue Challenge on Sept. 4 and 5, before heading to Milwaukee, Wis. to play in the Raider Invite on Sept. 11 and 12.