Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team opens its 2022 season this weekend on the road as it takes part in the Rockhurst Classic in Kansas City, Mo. The Mavericks open the weekend Friday with matches against Missouri Western at 10:00 a.m., and Hillsdale at 2:00 p.m. MSU concludes the tournament on Saturday as it squares off with Black Hills State 10:00 a.m., and host Rockhurst at 2:00 p.m.

About the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished the 2021 season with a 14-14 record, including a 9-11 NSIC mark. The Mavericks were picked to finish ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Mavericks return nine letterwinners and three starters from last season's team, including sophomore setter Brooke Bolwerk who was named MSU's Player to Watch by the NSIC.

Bolwerk recorded 343 assists and 140 digs in 77 sets played. Junior middle blocker Ellie Danielson returns after recording 196 kills and 93 blocks which ranked third and second on the team, respectively. Sophomore middle blocker Kiya Durant led the Mavericks last season in blocks with 110. Durant also tallied 145 kills.

About the Griffons: Missouri Western volleyball is picked to finish eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll. MWSU finished the 2021 season 14-16. 

Karly Tharp returns after finishing the 2021 season with 224 kills and 235 digs. Jessica Sachen also returns after leading the Griffons in digs with 538.

Missouri Western is coached by Jessica Fey who is in her first season with the Griffons.

About the Chargers: Hillsdale finished the 2021 season with a  16-0 record at GMAC conference and finished 30-5 overall.

Karoline Shelton led the team in the 2021 season with 410 kills. Sophomore Alli Wiese finished the season with 624 digs.

Coach Chris Gravel is going into his 27th season coaching the chargers. 

About the Yellow Jackets: Black Hills State finished the 2021 season with a record of 8-18 and 5-13 in GMAC Conference play.
 
Madison Hoopman recorded 309 kills and 35 blocks. Haedyn Rhoades led the Yellow Jackets with 421 digs.

Black Hills State is coached by Bree Davis whom she joined the Yellow Jackets as an assistant coach in June 2021 originally.

About the Hawks: Rockhurst finished the 2021 season in a high note falling in a five-set to #23 Ferris State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Hawks finished with a 20-12 record.

Junior Maureen Reilly had finished the 2021 season with 594 digs for the Hawks. Sarah Montague totaled 679 assists and 23 kills.

Coach Trent Jones joined Rockhurst in 2020 leading the Hawks to a 32-19 record in his first two seasons.

Coming Up: Minnesota State continues its season September 2nd as it takes part in UIndy Invitational in Indianapolis, Ind.