WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University volleyball team is set to open the 2024 season on the road in the Kansas City Classic beginning Thursday, Sept. 5 and finishing Saturday, Sept. 8.
WSU will play four matches in three days, day one facing off against William Jewel in Liberty, MO. Day two includes a doubleheader for the Warriors facing off against Washburn University at 10am and shortly after at 2pm WSU faces off against Rockhurst University. On the final day the Warriors have their final match against Emporia State at 1:30pm.
Winona State Notes:
- Head Coach Joe Getzin enters his tenth season with the Warriors.
- The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) released their preseason poll, and WSU is receiving votes entering the 2024 campaign.
- The Warriors were selected sixth in the 2024 NSIC Preseason Poll.
- Leading the Warriors this season is seniors and graduate students Leah Mach, Kylie Welch, Lydia Lange, and Sidney Paulson
- Sidney Paulson was picked as the Warriors Preseason Player to Watch in the 2024 NSIC Coaches Poll.
- Gianna Vollrath finished the 2023 season top ten in the NSIC in hitting percentage (.341).
- Kylie Welch led the NSIC in service aces per set (0.49) in the 2023 NSIC season.
- Rylee Vaughn finished last season in the top ten in digs per set in the NSIC (4.54).
- Following this week WSU has their home opener against Upper Iowa Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 6pm.
William Jewel Notes:
- Deardin Kelley enters her first season as head coach for the Cardinals
- William Jewel volleyball was selected 13th overall in the GLVC volleyball preseason poll.
- WJC returns leading outside hitter Bella LaPorta who led the team in kills (442) and points (483.5).
- On the defensive side, Alexis Nunn returns for the Cardinals after leading the team in digs per set (3.42.)
Washburn Notes:
- Head Coach Chris Herron enters his 23rd year at Washburn.
- In the 2024 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Assocation (MIAA) volleyball Preseason Poll Washburn was selected fourth overall while also receiving one first place vote.
- Jalyn Stevenson returns as the Ichabods top returning player.
Rockhurst Notes:
- Head Coach Trent Jones enters his fifth season with the Hawks.
- The AVCA preseason poll released with Rockhurst receiving votes.
- Rockhurst was selected third in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll.
- Rockhurst returns Sarah Pyle who lead the team in kills last season as well as Tera Reberry who trailed just shortly behind Pyle in total kills last season.
Emporia State Notes:
- Head coach Ken Murczek enters his second season as head coach of the Hornets.
- Emporia State was selected ninth in the 2024 MIAA preseason coaches' poll
- Emporia State returns talent such as McKenya Sorrells on the offensive side and Brailee Bogle on defensive.
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www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
