2025 Volleyball Season Preview

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – Beginning year two of the Halee Hensley tenure, Central Baptist College volleyball opens the 2025 season tomorrow night at A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse against the Blue Mountain Christian University Toppers. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

            "We've had lots of energy in practice and we've been connecting very well," said Hensley. "Lots of great things are happening and I'm excited for this season."

            The Mustangs finished last season 7-14 overall and 5-6 in the American Midwest Conference with a first round conference tournament exit. This year's schedule, which contains 32 matches, will feature a double round-robin for the first time since CBC joined the conference in 2015. "With Missouri Baptist and William Woods leaving the conference we got bumped up in the preseason poll," added Hensley. "I think we can be third or fourth with how we've been practicing and new things we've been incorporating."

            Nine returners will provide veteran leadership going into the new season. Led by all-conference selections Madeline Freeman and Aubree Ruggles, the group also include Kate Scroggins, Vanessa Van Dorn, Xiangelisse Velazquez, Caroline Reams, Lakyn Johnson, Hayleigh Work and Robynn Lucas. "Our returners are pretty solid," added Hensley. "Madeline has set a few records and we are hoping she can break a few more as a six rotation player for us."

            The newcomer class is 12 strong and is lined with transfers and freshman. This group includes Rylie Ciremele, Yasmine De La Garza, DaiTona Streets, Mackenzie Olugbami, Laney Blackwell, Ava White, Mazie Bennett, Kendra Jones, Jennifer Trancoso, Rayssa Leite, Adalyn Dura, Avary Smith, and Andie Petross.

            The schedule also includes a seven-team tournament the weekend of the fifth and sixth of Sept., that includes several HBCUs and a new program in University of the Ozarks. "We get more home and an opportunity to get a few new teams at Reddin," added Hensley.

            Come out and support the Mustangs this season!