Gulf Shores, Ala. - Looking for Nation Championship number two, Texas A&M-Kingsville heads east for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Championship beginning on Friday.

The Javelinas (21-11) are seeking their first national championship since the 2018 season, where they took down Eckerd College 4-1 to secure the championship. The Hogs followed that season up with a national runner-up performance in Tavares, Florida, during the 2019 season.

This season, the Javelinas surpassed both teams in total wins in a single season. After beating Hendrix College 5-0 on day two at the UCA Invitational last week, the Javelinas secured a program-best 21 wins. This is the second time the Javelinas have eclipsed the 20-win mark, with the last time happening during the national championship year.

In terms of the AVCA Championship, the Javelinas enter Gulf Shores as the No. 5 overall seed sitting just behind Colorado-Mesa, whom Texas A&M-Kingsville has already faced. In their pool, the Javelinas take on Florida Southern College and Southern Baptist University before heading to bracket play for the tournament.

The Hogs join 32 other teams, with a total of 455 matches being played at Gulf Shores. This makes the event the largest collegiate beach volleyball event in the United States. Team champions will be crowned in each of the three divisions, and there also is a Pairs Challenge event for participating teams.

The AVCA Small-College Championship kicks off Thursday for the Javelinas as they take on Florida Southern at 9:05 pm. Fans can get live scoring of the event here.