FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Calvin Crosby's debut as head coach of Fredonia State women's volleyball starts with a road scrimmage and two regular-season road games, including the season opener Sept. 1 at Pitt-Bradford. 
It's his home debut that comes with a twist.

The Blue Devils will take on Crosby's former team, the Hilbert Hawks, on Sept. 9 -- the first of seven home games at Dods Hall.

"Facing my former team in our home opener will be bittersweet," he said. "I've watched many of those players grow, but once the match starts, I expect a battle. Just as I expect Hilbert to compete for every point, I expect the same from my Blue Devils. After two losses to Hilbert last season, we'll be looking for some payback on September 9th."

The other six home opponents are Geneseo of the Empire 8, plus SUNYAC opponents Oswego, Cortland, Alfred State, Delhi, and Oneonta. Alfred State and Delhi are new to the conference. Conference road trips have the Blue Devils at Potsdam, Canton, Buffalo State, and Morrisville.

Overall, there are 24 regular-season matches on the 2026 schedule, including trips to Penn State Behrend and Allegheny for weekend tournaments, and tri-matches at Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester on consecutive Saturdays.

Fredonia State earned a home playoff match in 2025 in what turned out to be Geoff Braun's final game as head coach after 26 seasons. Crosby looks to have the Blue Devils back in the post-season when the conference tournament starts on Nov. 10.