BROWNWOOD, Texas - Howard Payne University volleyball standouts Tara Bennett and Carli Briese have been named 2026 American Southwest Conference Players to Watch, as selected by the head coaches and sports information directors from the conference's institutions.

Bennett returns to Brownwood for her junior season after earning All-Conference honors in each of her first two years. The 2024 ASC Freshman of the Year followed up a historic first season with 174 kills on a .121 hit percentage in 2025. She also led the Lady Jackets with 393 serve receptions while recording 164 digs and 19 service aces.

Briese emerged as one of the ASC's rising stars during her freshman campaign, recording 10+ kills in three of her last four matches. The sophomore posted a career-high 16 kills against Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sep. 26 and added 15 kills on Oct. 31 against LeTourneau. She also served as a defensive threat in the front row, recording at least three blocks in six matches last season, including a three solo block performance against McMurry on Sep. 30.

Howard Payne placed 6^th on the 2026 American Southwest Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll. The Lady Jackets open their season on the road in Sherman, Texas, facing off with Paul Quinn College on Tuesday, Sep. 1.

Bennett and Briese begin preparation for the upcoming season Friday, Aug. 14, for HPU's "Midnight Madness" at the Brownwood Coliseum. View the team's regular season schedule HERE.