LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University women's volleyball team will kick off its 2019 season at the Cactus Classic in Tucson, Ariz. this weekend. 
 
The Lions will open up the Cactus Classic coming off of an impressive 2018 season, as the team made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after sweeping Duke 3-0 in the first round. 
 
LMU will kick off the classic against Samford on Friday at 12:30, with a match against Arizona to follow at 7:00 PM. The Lions will finish their weekend on Saturday against Appalachian State at 10 A.M. 
 
The Lions were picked to finish fourth in the West Coast Conference and are received votes in the AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll. 
 
This will be the first time since 2008 that the Lions have met with both Arizona and Appalachian State. The team picked up a 3-1 win against Appalachian State, while falling to the Wildcats 3-0. LMU is 1-0 against the Yosef and 1-3 against the Arizona. This will be the first time that the Lions have met with Samford. 
 
The Lions boast 10 returners and have brought on seven freshmen to join the 2019 squad. 
 
Loyola Marymount University's match against Arizona can be watched for free here. 
 
Loyola Marymount University's match against Samford and Appalachian State can be seen on Flo Volleyball.