LUBBOCK, Texas (September 1, 2025) – Lubbock Christian University volleyball opens its 47th season this weekend with a trip into new territory, heading to Pittsburg, Kan., for the Gorilla Classic. The four-match tournament inside John Lance Arena marks the first time the Lady Chaparrals have ever started a season in the Sunflower State.
 
The Lady Chaps debut Friday against host Pittsburg State in what will be the fourth meeting all-time between the programs. LCU holds a 2–1 edge in the series, though Pitt State claimed the last matchup in 2002 in Anchorage, Alaska. Senior right-side hitter Lily Bickley (13 kills, 3 blocks) and senior outside hitter Payton Murray (7 digs, 3 kills) are the only current Lady Chaps who played in that contest. For head coach Keith Giboney, it's a return to a familiar opponent (He last coached in Pittsburg in 2005 while at Harding) - he is 6–3 in his career against the Gorillas, including a 6–2 mark during his 13 seasons at Harding.
 
Veteran Core Returns
The Lady Chaps return 10 veterans from last year's squad, led by senior right-side hitter Lily Bickley. A two-time All-Lone Star Conference selection, Bickley enters her final season with 809 career kills and 166 blocks after ranking sixth in the LSC in hitting percentage (.340) in 2024.
 
She is joined on the front line by seniors Payton Murray (553 career kills) and Bryleigh Schweer (231 kills, .313 hitting percentage), along with junior Tatum Fleitman (123 kills, 38 blocks). On the back row, seniors Abby Benitez (268 digs), Olivia Elofsson (206 digs, 19 aces) and junior Ramsey Clark (116 digs) provide stability. Camryn Blair returns for her second season and is joined by Madyson Eberly and Jade Workman, who return after injuries cut short their 2024 seasons.
 
"I think what excites me most about this year's team is the quality of returners that we have along with a really good mix of new girls that is going to make us deeper," Giboney said. "That was probably an issue for us last year. We increased our roster size so we definitely added depth, especially on the front row."
 
Newcomers Add Depth
LCU welcomes eight newcomers, including Division I transfer Drea Laughlin (ULM) and transfer libero Kyla Farnan (Saint Michael's). Freshman outside hitter Emilee Sikora (San Angelo Central) is expected to compete immediately, while setters Kat Dulin (Lubbock Christian School) and Camdyn Sears (Midland Christian) give the Lady Chaps two young options to fill the setter role.
 
"We have a good mix of new girls who are going to come in," Giboney said. "They are certainly going to make us deeper, but we expect some of those to compete for playing time right away. Emily Sikora won't look like a freshman out there, and we're confident she can compete well. We also have two freshman setters who will be counted on to step up and assume that role. They'll do a great job adjusting and getting in sync with our hitters."
 
Climbing the Lone Star Ladder
LCU finished 13–14 overall and 9–7 in conference play in 2024, qualifying for the Lone Star Conference Championships for the first time since 2021. They were picked eighth in the 2025 LSC preseason poll.
 
"The Lone Star Conference is so big and so competitive," Giboney said. "You really have to show up and play every day. We made it to the conference tournament last year and that was great, but our goals are bigger than that. We want to defend at home, steal some games we probably shouldn't, and have no bad losses. This group is driven, especially being heavy with seniors. They want to end their careers on a really high note."
 
Giboney, now in his fifth season at LCU and 21st overall as an NCAA head coach, owns a career record of 445–218. He ranks No. 24 among active Division II head coaches in victories.
 
"I think one thing people should know about this team is what high-caliber student-athletes we have," Giboney said. "We've brought in quality people who represent LCU well. They're going to be great ambassadors for our school, and we're really proud of what they're going to accomplish."
  Gorilla Classic – Pittsburg, Kan. (John Lance Arena)
Friday, Sept. 5
• 11:30 a.m. – at Pittsburg State
• 4:30 p.m. – vs. Truman State
Saturday, Sept. 6
• 9:00 a.m. – vs. Southern Arkansas
• 4:30 p.m. – vs. Missouri Western By the Numbers

• 30–16 – LCU's all-time record in season openers
• 12 of 17 – Wins in their past 17 season openers
• 809 – Career kills for senior right-side hitter Lily Bickley
• 445 – Career victories for head coach Keith Giboney
• 8 – Newcomers on LCU's 2025 roster
• 2–1 – LCU's all-time record against Pittsburg State