MINOT, N.D. - Minot State volleyball opens up conference play on Friday September 20 at 6:00 pm against #7 ranked Southwest Minnesota State at the MSU Dome. Following Friday's match, the Beavers will be taking on Augustana University on Saturday September 21 at 11:00 am at the MSU Dome. 

Minot State is coming off of a 2-2 showing at the Live 1st Homecoming Classic. The Beavers opened up against Medicine Hat in an exhibition which saw Minot State capture the win 3-2. In match 2, Minot State fell to the University of Jamestown 0-3. In match 3, the Beavers took down Brandon University 3-2. In match 4, Minot State fell to Mayville State University 1-3. With match 1 against Medicine Hat having been an exhibition, the Beavers are officially 1-6 to begin the season.

Historically, Southwest Minnesota State University and Augustana University have been two of the toughest opponents for the Beavers. Southwest Minnesota State University is currently ranked #7 and holds 14 wins over the Beavers in their match up history. The most recent match up between these two teams resulted in a 3-0 victory for Southwest Minnesota State University back on September 29, 2023. Augustana University currently holds 16 wins over Minot State in their match up history. The most recent match up resulted in a 3-0 victory for Augustana University back on October 21, 2023. The Beavers will have their hands full when they host these two teams in back to back days. 

The players to watch this weekend for Minot State are Paulina Kowalska and Emily Barker. Paulina Kowalska currently leads the offense with 58 kills, while Emily Barker leads the defense with 52 digs and leads at setter with 110 assists. 

Following this weekend's conference opening match ups at home, the Beavers will head on the road for a weekend. On the road trip, the Beavers will see match ups with Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska on Friday September 27 at 6:00 pm, followed by a match up on Saturday September 28 at 2:00 pm against the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.