WINONA, Minn. – After compiling an 8-0 record to start the season against non-conference competition, the Winona State University volleyball team will square off against a pair of NSIC foes for the first time this year. The Warriors open their first conference road trip at No. 19 St. Cloud State on Friday night before the weekend finale at No. 4 Minnesota Duluth Saturday afternoon.

Entering the weekend, eight of the 16 NSIC teams are ranked in the AVCA Top 25 with Winona State and Augustana both receiving votes in the poll.

Of the Warriors first eight matches this season, four have been won in straight sets. Last time out against Purdue Northwest, Winona State recorded a season-best .507 attacking percentage in a sweep.

Bre Maloney's 9.66 assists/set ranks ninth in the NSIC as the junior setter has guided WSU to a .260 attacking percentage – sixth-best in the league.

Freshman Madison Larson's 68 kills lead the team, followed by junior Kate Masberg (67). Megan Flom leads WSU with 3.2 kills/set.

Defensively, the Warriors are limiting opponents to a .135 attacking percentage – fifth-best in the NSIC. Sophomore Madison Rizner has a team-best 40 blocks and ranks third in the conference in blocks/set (1.29). Libero Becca Pagel leads the way with 123 digs and ranks ninth in the NSIC in digs/set (3.97).

Following the road trip, the Warriors will finally play on their home court next weekend inside McCown Gymnasium. Winona State hosts Bemidji State on Friday, September 27 and Minnesota Crookston on Saturday, September 28.