Game Notes
The Minnesota State University Moorhead volleyball team opened the season going 3-1 at the Microtel and Travelodge Classic. Senior libero Monica Vega and Sophomore setter/right side hitter Lauren Kiewiet were named to the all-classic team. Up next, the Dragons travel to South Dakota for the Augustana Tournament. MSUM plays Lindenwood and host school Augustana (S.D.) on August 31. The Dragons then play Black Hills State (S.D.) to wrap up the tournament on September 1.

The matches will be the final nonconference contests for MSUM.

MSUM kicked off the 2018 season by hosting the Microtel & Travelodge Classic on Aug. 24-25 at Nemzek Fieldhouse. The Dragons went 2-0 on day one with a 3-2 win over Minot State and a 3-1 win over South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The Dragons went 1-1 on day two with a 3-0 sweep over Western State (C.O.) before dropping the final match of the tournament 1-3 to the University of Mary.

Senior libero Monica Vega and Sophomore setter/right side hitter Lauren Kiewiet were named to the all-classic team.  After an impressive showing in her opening weekend, Vega moved up to 8th on the MSUM career digs list with 1,416.

Junior middle blocker Kaylyn Jenkins led the Dragons with 37 kills, followed closely by Freshman outside hitter Madison Wassink who added 35 kills. Wassink cranked out 14 kills on 29 errorless swings in the victory over Western State (C.O.).  Freshman outside hitter Amanda Carlson had 29 kills of her own and sits second on the team with 2.23 kills per set. Sophomore middle blocker Kylie Kanswischer added to a balanced offense with 24 kills.

Sophomore setter Lauren Kiewiet had 103 assists on the weekend, while Freshman setter Katelyn Selensky added 45 of her own. Kiewiet also provided offense for the Dragons with 22 kills from the right side.

Senior libero Monica Vega picked up right where she left off last season with 70 digs on the weekend. Her 4.38 digs per set places her sixth in the NSIC. Junior defensive specialist Taylor Thorson added to the backcourt with 2.27 digs per set, and Kiewiet defended her position well with 2.81 digs per set.

At the net, middle blockers Jenkins and Kanswischer each put up .75 blocks per set and are tied for 14th in the NSIC.

Scouting the Opposition...
Lindenwood University
The Lions return 11 players and add 11 newcomers to a team that finished the 2017 season with a 20-13 record and 11-7 mark in MIAA action. The Lions opened up their 2018 campaign by going 4-0 in their home tournament. Senior outside hitter Bailey Dvorak led the team with 3.15 kills per set. Junior transfer Kelly Wilson added 2.62 kills per set and hit at a .362 clip from the right side. Senior setter Allyson Clancy dished out 10.62 assists per set while serving up 7 aces. Defensively, Junior libero Sara Wagenknecht provided 4.15 digs per set.

Augustana University
The Vikings return eight players from a team that finished the 2017 season 23-9 and 13-7 in NSIC play. The Vikings started the 2018 season by going 3-1 at the Eckerd Classic in St. Petersburg, Florida. Senior outside hitter Courtney Place led the team with 3.82 kills per set and added 45 digs. Freshman setter Avery Thorson made her collegiate debut and paced the offense with 10.41 assists per set. Senior libero Kaylea Ahrens held down the back court and added 4.24 digs per set. Redshirt Freshman middle blocker Izzy Sommers led the team with 1.84 blocks per set.

Black Hills State University
The Yellow Jackets return 11 players and bring in five newcomers to a team that finished the 2017 season 11-17 and 8-10 in conference play. The Yellow Jackets started the 2018 season by going 1-3 at the Tarleton Invitational in Stephenville, Texas. Junior setter Laurel Lech quarterbacked the offense with 7.17 assists per set and added 30 digs. Freshman outside hitter Jadie DeLange and Senior outside hitter Carisa Becerra each had 2.0 kills per set. Sophomore defensive specialist Valerie Blake chipped in 32 digs, and Sophomore middle blocker Makayla Bell led the team with 1.11 blocks per set.