All matches will be streamed live on YouTube (free).

Previews of the four teams:

The Bulls have 7 incoming freshman, 2 incoming transfers, and 7 returning players. They lost 2 of their top three scorers, but senior outside hitter Polina Prokudina returns. Prokudina was just named to the Pre-Season All MAC-East team. Buffalo also returns senior setter Scout McLerran, who was 2nd in the MAC in assists per set and junior setter Tia Gleason, who didn't play enough matches to qualify, but if she did, she would have led the MAC in assists per set. Coach Scott Smith begins his first year as UB head coach, after being an assistant coach at UB for the previous four years. The Bulls have beaten a major conference team only once in their history, and so they are looking to add Alabama to that list.

The Crimson Tide (last year: 20–12 overall, 7–11 conference, RPI 73) return their top three scorers (OH Ginger Perinar, OH Doris Carter and MB Hayley McSparrin), plus their top two setters (Meghan Neelon from Clarence, NY high school, and Mylana Bird) return as well. Alabama used a two setter offense last year, which can put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. They have a brand new coach, Lindsay Devine, who takes over after last year's head coach resigned in the middle of the season.

The Red Foxes (14–15, 11–7, RPI 275) return their top five scorers, but their primary setter a year ago has graduated. Coach Sean Byron begins his first year as Marist head coach.

The Raiders (14–15, 9–7, RPI 172) are coached by Ryan Baker, clearly the dean of this group of coaches, with 14 years at the helm. They return their top two scorers, and their top setter. Buffalo defeated Colgate 3–2 in an exhibition match last year at Alumni Arena.