By FHSU Sports Information
The Fort Hays State volleyball team continues their hot start (4-0) to the season this weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) with four contests at the Augustana Invitational in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Tigers have a pair of matches on Friday as they face Black Hills State for an early morning swing slated for 9 a.m. FHSU will then face Northern State at 4:30 p.m. The Tigers will complete the weekend on Saturday as they take on the Marauders of University of Mary at 9 a.m. before dueling the host school, Augustana University, at 2 p.m.
FHSU vs Black Hills State Friday, August 31 9 a.m. FHSU leads all-time series, 3-0
Sioux Falls, S.D. Elmen Center
Fort Hays State begins the Augustana Invitational with an early-morning matchup against Black Hills State. The Tigers are 3-0 against the Yellow Jackets, with all three previous matches coming on a neutral floor. The Tigers defeated Black Hills State last season at the Country Inn & Suites Invitational, claiming a five-set victory over the Yellow Jackets. BHSU returns five starters from a team that finished 11-17 a year ago, finishing eighth in the final RMAC standings. Setter Laurel Lech earned honorable mention All-RMAC honors last season after leading the team with 996 assists and ranking second with 313 digs. The Yellow Jackets were picked to finish ninth in the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Head coach Kristan Carmichael begins her fifth season as the leader of BHSU volleyball in 2017 looking to add to her 36 career victories.
FHSU vs Northern State Friday, August 31 4:30 p.m. FHSU leads the all-time series, 1-0
Sioux Falls, S.D. Elmen Center
The Tigers will wrap up day one with a match against Northern State. The Tigers and Wolves have not played since 1991, with FHSU having the victory in the lone matchup. The Wolves turned in a 23-7 overall record last season, tying for third in the NSIC. Outside hitter Hailey Busch returns after earning All-AVCA honors a year ago, ranking third in the conference and leading NSU with 4.39 kills per set (426 kills). The Wolves also return six other starters from last season. Brent Aldridge is heading into his eighth year as head volleyball coach at NSU, bringing in 137 career victories.
FHSU vs University of Mary Saturday, September 1 9 a.m. FHSU leads the all-time series, 1-0
Sioux Falls, S.D. Elmen Center
Fort Hays State opens day two with an early-morning contest against Mary. The Tigers are 1-0 against the Marauders, with the lone matchup coming in 1980. The Marauders are coming of an 8-21 overall record last season, tying for 12th in the NSIC. Mary returns seven starters from a year ago. Korie Lebeda begins her first year as the head coach for the Marauders.
FHSU at Augustana Saturday, September 1 2 p.m. AU leads the all-time series, 2-0
Sioux Falls, S.D. Elmen Center
The Tigers wrap up the invitational with a match against the host, Augustana. The Tigers and Vikings have not faced against each other since 2014, with AU holding a 2-0 lead in the all-time series. The Vikings turned in a 23-9 record last season, good for sixth in the NSIC. AU returns five starters from a year ago while Jennifer Jacobs enters her second season as head coach of the Vikings