COSTA MESA -- The Vanguard beach volleyball program has finished setting its schedule for 2026 and is ready to release the new slate.  The Lions play 10 matches against seven NCAA Division I programs in the new year, three against NCAA DII institutions, six versus NAIA teams, and square off against one community college, which will not count towards the overall record.
 
VU hosts twice in 2026, including the season opener on February 7 against CSU Los Angeles and Mira Costa CC at the courts near the intersection of Brookhurst and PCH.  The other date that when VU is at Huntington Beach is March 24.  The Blue and Gold head to the OC Great Park on February 21, March 14, and March 27 for dates hosted by CUI, meaning VU fans can see the Lions in Orange County for a majority of the season.
 
The DI opposition includes Washington, Pepperdine, CSU Bakersfield, Tulane, UC Davis, CSU Northridge, and San Francisco. Outside of the road trip to Airzona, the other away games are hosted by Pepperdine and Bakersfield.
 
VU will complete the season on April 11 against San Francisco and Pepperdine as the final act before heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the AVCA NCAA DII Championships.