Minot State Volleyball opens the 2026 season this weekend at the Drury Invitational in Springfield, Missouri, beginning a new era under first-year head coach Josh Wastvedt. The Beavers begin the weekend Friday at 9 a.m. against Newman University, followed by a 1 p.m. match up with tournament host Drury University.  After a quick turnaround, the Beavers return to the court Saturday at 9 a.m. against Texas A&M International University before wrapping up the invitational at 3 p.m. against Southern Nazarene University.  All four matches will be played at the O'Reilly Family Event Center.  

The weekend will be the Beavers' first opportunity to put Wastvedt's system into action in regular-season competition.  Minot State enters the season focused on playing with a greater confidence and aggression.  

"We want to be aggressive; we think that we should be towards the middle of the pack, at least," Wastvedt said.  " We have talent, so I'm excited for this group to kind of learn how to win, learn how to push against really good teams, against team that we know we should beat."  

Minot State returns several key contributors, including senior outside hitter Caton Pearcy, fifth-year opposite hitter Katelyn Onespot-Danforth, junior setter Logan Drennan, junior libero Maya Vibeto and sophomore middle blocker Kiera Hayes.  Pearcy was selected as a 2026 NSIC Preseason Player to Watch and will provide veteran experience as the Beavers begin the new season.  The Beavers will also rely on a group of newcomers as they work to build chemistry early in the season.  

With four matches against different opponents in less than 36 hours, the Drury Invitational will provide an immediate test of Minot State's depth, consistency, and ability to make adjustments throughout the weekend.