CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball has announced its 2026 competition schedule, featuring a challenging blend of early home matches, nationally respected non-conference opponents and a full MIVA slate under new head coach Roger Peluso.
Peluso said the overall structure of the schedule is intentional and designed to challenge the group from the start. "It's a demanding schedule in all the right ways. We'll be tested early and often, and that's going to reveal a lot about who we are as a group. The level of opponents we're seeing this year is exciting," he said.
Queens begins with home matchups against Tusculum, Fort Valley State, Lees-McRae, Edward Waters and Barton, a stretch that allows the Royals to establish momentum while integrating a roster featuring key returners and several newcomers. Peluso emphasized the value of the home environment at this point in the year, noting, "Our home stand in the middle of the schedule is a huge opportunity. If we protect our court during that stretch, it could really elevate our trajectory heading into conference play. Senior Night vs Belmont Abbey and the Ohio State matches are great home matches to circle!"
The Royals' non-conference schedule includes matchups against teams with national profiles, including road meetings with Charleston, home-and-home contests with Belmont Abbey and a home match against George Mason on March 6. Peluso pointed to the quality of these opponents and the tests they provide. "The non-conference slate has some marquee matchups that will really push us. Facing programs that are consistently in the national conversation will give us a great benchmark, especially playing George Mason, my former program," he said.
The move into MIVA play will feature home dates against Ohio State, Lewis, Lindenwood, Northern Kentucky and Purdue Fort Wayne, balanced against road trips to Ball State, McKendree, Lindenwood and Northern Kentucky. Peluso said the buildup from the early part of the schedule should help the team prepare for the league's intensity. "This schedule forces us to elevate our level fast. The intensity of our non-conference matches should position us well for the grind of MIVA play and the demands of postseason volleyball," he said.
Queens faces several demanding stretches, including back-to-back home matches against Ohio State and Lewis followed by road matches across the Midwest. Peluso said he views these moments of the schedule as catalysts for growth. "Those stretches are where teams make big jumps. The back-to-backs, the travel, the quality of opponents—it all prepares you for postseason volleyball," he said.
The Royals close the regular season at home with matchups against Catawba and Belmont Abbey, giving fans multiple opportunities to see high-level volleyball in Charlotte. "Fans should be excited about the caliber of opponents coming to our gym this year. We're hosting some big-time matches that should create an incredible atmosphere. In addition, it's a new coaching staff who's embarking on the 9th year of the programs existence," Peluso said.
Queens returns several players expected to take steps forward this season, including Chance Shampine, Carson Strawbridge, Reed Shuey, Chris Peters and Nate Vaupel. Peluso said their offseason development has stood out, and he is also excited about the group's newcomers. "We've got several returning guys who made big jumps this offseason (Chance Shampine, Carson Strawbridge, Reed Shuey, Chris Peters, & Nate Vaupel), and I'm excited for people to see that. Our newcomers bring size and athleticism that will be felt right away including transfers Connor Dell and Charlie Pordgorny along with the freshmen class of Blu Ledbetter and Britton Skousen," he said.
Peluso said he believes the makeup of the schedule aligns well with the group's goals and identity. "This schedule forces us to elevate our level fast. The intensity of our non-conference matches should position us well for the grind of MIVA play and the demands of postseason volleyball," he said.
Fans are encouraged to keep up to date with the Queens Athletics website for ticketing announcements.
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