CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Following a historic 2025 campaign that saw the Tigers ranked as high as 13th in the postseason polls, the Campbellsville University men's volleyball team enters 2026 with a No. 9 national ranking and a singular focus: finishing the job.

The Tigers are coming off a stellar 23-8 season, including a dominant 14-2 run through the River States Conference (RSC). However, the season ended in heartbreaking fashion in the RSC Championship, where the Tigers fell 16-18 in the fifth set to rival Georgetown College. That loss has fueled the team's preparation for 2026.

"I'm excited to get this season started as we have some unfinished business," said Head Coach Alfonso Alvarez. "We are focused and driven to succeed. Success for us means in the classroom, on the court, and in the community."

The Tigers return one of the nation's premier playmakers in senior setter Alonzo Vega. Vega's 2025 campaign was nothing short of brilliant, earning him AVCA All-American honors and First-Team All-Conference recognition. He dished out 1,019 assists (10.09 per set) while guiding the team to a .280 hitting percentage.

"I'm particularly excited to see how Alonzo comes back this season after earning AVCA All-American honors," Alvarez noted.

Vega will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. Junior outside hitter Ayoube Hamadache returns after leading the team with 298 kills and 40 total blocks last season. He is joined by fellow junior outside hitter Denzel Madrigal, who provided a potent one-two punch with 287 kills on a .304 hitting clip in 2025.

Defensively, Campbellsville retains its anchor in the back row and its force at the net. Sophomore libero Andrew Ovalle returns after a breakout freshman campaign where he led the RSC with 398 digs (3.69 per set).

At the net, junior middle blocker Pedro Zavatini is back to patrol the middle. Zavatini was a menace for opposing attackers last year, leading the returners with 107 total blocks (31 solo, 76 assisted) while averaging over a block per set.

"I expect Ayoube [Hamadache] and Pedro [Zavatini] to continue to be a force for us," Alvarez said. "The returners are meshing well together with the new guys, and everyone has bought in and put in the extra work."

While the veterans provide stability, Alvarez highlighted the development of sophomore opposite Luke Stracener. The 6-foot-5 Jeffersonville, Ind. native saw limited action in 14 sets last year but is poised for a breakout role.

"Sophomore Luke Stracener has really stepped up in the offseason, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do," Alvarez added.

The #9 Tigers will open their season inside the friendly confines of Gosser Gymnasium (where they boasted an 11-3 record last year) this Friday, January 23. First serve against Truett McConnell University is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.