Alcorn State University’s volleyball team kicks off the 2026 season this weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Braves participate in the LSU New Orleans – Nicholls Challenge, hosted by the two institutions.
The tournament begins Friday, August 28, with Alcorn facing LSU New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. at the Human Performance Center. The following day, the Braves will play Nicholls at 2 p.m. and Stonehill at 7 p.m. Both matches are scheduled at the same venue. Live stats will be available online, and the first game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Alcorn is not ranked in this week’s AVCA Division I Coaches Poll. The same applies to LSU New Orleans, Nicholls, and Stonehill. The Braves are currently projected to finish 10th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason poll. Last season, they finished with a 1-9 record in their last ten matches.
The team returns top players such as Courtney Carter, who led the team with 198 kills, and setter Juliana Henao, who recorded 480 assists last season. The Braves also added seven new players, including four transfers, and are led by interim head coach Gabrielle Harris.
Alcorn’s recent exhibition match resulted in a four-set loss to Northwestern State. The team’s key returning players include libero Tomoni Giddings, who had 340 digs last season, and Rylan Jones, who led the team with 38 blocks. The Braves are aiming to improve their standing in the upcoming season with their new roster.
In the series history, LSU New Orleans holds a perfect 12-0 record against Alcorn, dating back to 2005. Their last meeting in 2024 resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Privateers. LSU New Orleans recently defeated Xavier and Dillard in scrimmages, while Nicholls leads the all-time series against Alcorn 10-0, with last season’s meetings both ending in 3-0 wins for the Colonels. Nicholls finished with a 13-16 record in 2025 under coach Jonea Rima, with key players including setter Isabella Padilla and middle blocker Harper Holden.
Stonehill and Alcorn have never faced each other before. The Skyhawks went 6-24 last season, with notable players Mia Berardino and Sam Lloyd, but lost much of their offensive production. The team is composed mostly of freshmen and sophomores and is looking to improve in 2026.
Alcorn State’s current record stands at 0-0 overall and in conference play. The team’s recent form includes a 1-4 record in its last five matches. Gabrielle Harris is entering her second year as interim head coach. The Braves will host Dillard University at home on September 3 for their season opener.
Follow Alcorn State Athletics on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports), and YouTube (Braves Sports Network) for updates and behind-the-scenes content throughout the season.
