Strong, creative and smart. These are only a few words that come to mind when thinking about the Cal beach volleyball team. Weekend after weekend, the Bears have returned stronger. The most recent AVCA Collegiate Poll would also agree: Cal has made a jump to the No. 9 spot from its previous No. 11 standing.

The Bears are heading to Fort Worth, Texas where they will look to build off their momentum in the Fight in the Fort, hosted by TCU.

Cal prepares to face perhaps its toughest set of opponents this weekend, with teams like No. 1 TCU and No. 6 GCU at the tournament. Cal should have an easier time during the competition’s second day, as it is set to play teams like No. 15 Florida International and unranked Missouri State.

This weekend will test Cal’s ability to hold its own against the nation’s best teams.

Kicking the weekend off on Friday, the blue and gold will head out to the sands to face No. 1 TCU. With a perfect 16-0 record, TCU is sure to give Cal a difficult morning.

Although a win against TCU is not particularly likely, the game presents the potential for growth, and the blue and gold will be keen to take advantage of it. Regardless of the overall outcome, the Bears will seek foremost to not allow TCU easy points.

Later that afternoon, Cal is scheduled to face off against yet another accomplished team, No. 6 Grand Canyon. With a record of 12-4, GCU will give Cal a better opportunity to fight and potentially snatch a win. Contrasting from the earlier match, this battle should provide a variety of back and forth digs, swings and strategic plays from both sides.

After a night of recovery, the Bears are set to face No. 15 Florida International. Going into this weekend, Florida International holds a 7-6 record. With Cal standing at 12-3, it should have the upper hand.

This game should be a drastic change of pace from the first two matches, as Cal will have a sizable advantage. The only thing standing in Cal’s way may be itself.

Closing out Cal’s weekend is Missouri State. The unranked team heads into the weekend with an 8-4 record. After the hard-fought battles the Bears have on deck, Missouri State should be a match considerably lighter in intensity. Cal is poised to dominate this match and perhaps even come out with a clean sweep.

As the Bears continue on with their regular season play, they prepare to face Cal Poly and Washington University after their trip to Texas.