WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard University volleyball team is set to begin the 2016 season at the D.C. Challenge this weekend. The Bison will open the tournament on Friday at 5 p.m. against George Mason on the campus of American University at Bender Arena.

On Saturday, the team will battle Georgetown at 11 a.m. before facing American at 4:30 p.m. Both matches will be at George Mason in the Recreation and Athletic Complex.

Howard is looking to build on its success from last season, after going 11-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) action and capturing the 2015 MEAC Championship. By winning the conference title, the Bison earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, its first appearance since 1994.

At last year's D.C. Challenge, HU dropped all three matches to its neighbors. The 12 returners are hoping to take the four newcomers under their wings and start the season on a high note.

This weekend's tournament will be the first of four tournaments for the Bison to start the 2016 campaign.