MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team opens its season on the road for the 14th consecutive season as it travels to Miami, Fla., for the Barry University Classic. The Mavericks will face four teams from two conferences over the two day span beginning with American International at 8:00 a.m., (CST) and Saint Leo at 12:00 p.m., (CST) Friday. Minnesota State will wrap up the weekend squaring off with Saint Anselm at 2:00 p.m., (CST) and Barry University at 6:00 p.m., (CST) on Saturday. 

Preseason Outlook: The Mavericks were picked to finish sixth out of 16 teams in the 2019 NSIC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll. Northern State was tabbed to finish first, Concordia-St. Paul was slotted second, and Minnesota Duluth rounded out the top three. 
 
Scouting American International: American International is located in Springfield, Mass., and is a member of the Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10). The Yellow Jackets finished the 2018 season with overall record of 24-12 and 11-3 NE-10. American International is coached by Matt Cribbin who is in his seventh year with the team.

As a team last season, American International totaled 13.0 kills per set compared to its opponents 11.1. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets compiled 12.1 assists per set and 17.6 digs per frame. 

Senior Jana Potic returns after compiling a team leading 456 kills during her junior campaign.

Scouting Saint Leo: Saint Leo is located in Saint Leo, Fla., and is a member of the Sunshine State  Conference (SSC). The Lions finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 17-15 and 12-8 SSC. Saint Leo is led by head coach Jason Sloch who is entering his first year with the team after 10 seasons leading West Texas A&M.

As a team last season, the Lions posted 13.4 kills per set while their opponents notched 12.3. Saint Leo also totaled 12.6 assists per set and 16.8 digs per set. 

Junior Ashley Quero recorded a team-best 360 kills. Senior Annabella Arceri also returns after a season where she blocked 107 shots.  

Scouting Saint Anselm: Saint Anselm is located in Goffstown, N.H., and is a member of the Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10). The Hawks finished the 2018 season with a 17-13 overall record and 7-7 NE-10. Saint Anselm is led by fifth year head coach Braden Zamore. 

As a team last season, the Hawks totaled 12.9 kills in comparison to its opponents' 12.3. Additionally, Saint Anselm posted 12.1 assists per set and 15.8 digs per set. 

Senior Catie McCarthy returns for Saint Anselm after recording 366 kills last season.  

Scouting #16 Barry University: Barry University is located in Miami Shores, Fla.,  and is a member of the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Buccaneers finished the 2018 season with a 29-4 overall record and went 12-2 in the SSC. Southern Indiana is led by ninth year head coach Steve Hendricks. 

As a team last season, the Buccaneers totaled 14.0 kills in comparison to its opponents' 10.8. Additionally, Barry University posted 13.1 assists per set and 17.6 digs per set. 

Leading attackers Kristini Filimonova and Megi Buvinic return after recording 404 and 401 kills respectively.  Bianca Pasca Also returns for the Buccaneers after recording 1195 assists last season.

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will travel to Louisville, Ky., to play four matches starting Friday, Sep. 13, against Christian Brothers, Tiffin, Virginia State and Bellarmine.