SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Three matches into the Northern Sun Conference schedule, it's been a challenging start to league play for Augustana Volleyball (5-6, 0-3 NSIC). Without question the toughest conference in Division II Volleyball, the Vikings have fallen to No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State, Sioux Falls, and No. 18 Wayne State. However, it's a long season on the hardwood, and Augustana head coach Jen Jacobs and the Vikings are not giving up or giving in. "We are ready to bounce back," Jacobs said. "The team is refocused and there is a positive, upbeat attitude and energy in our locker room."

The Vikings will have two more opportunities to get into the win column, starting Friday night as they welcome in Minnesota State at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday afternoon matinee (2 p.m.) with No. 3 Concordia - St. Paul. Fans interested in more info or purchasing tickets can click here. 

Minnesota State vs. Augustana – 6 p.m. Friday - Elmen Center

The Vikings will start off their weekend series with a matchup vs. Minnesota State (9-2, 2-1) on Friday night. After finishing with just 15 wins last year, the Mavericks have already won nine games this season. The Mavericks are hitting .280 as a team, which spots them second in the NSIC.  Individually, with 178 kills on the season, outside hitter Morgan Olson not only leads the NSIC but is 9th in the nation with 4.45 kills per set. 

Look for the Vikings to counter with one of the leagues best in outside hitter Courtney Place. The Okabena, Minn. native continues to climb the Augustana record books, and with 4.3 kills per set, she currently stands 4th in the NSIC. Augustana true freshman Avery Thorson has also made an immediate impact, standing 7th in the league with nearly 10 assists per set.  

Last year, the Vikings knocked off Minnesota State with a 3-1 win in Mankato. All-time, the Vikings hold a 34-28 series lead and have won six of the last nine matchups. 

No 3. Concordia-St. Paul vs. Augustana – 2 p.m. Satday - Elmen Center

When you talk about Volleyball in DII, Concordia-St. Paul is synonymous with championships. The Golden Bears are the defending national champion, and have won nine titles in the past 11 years. This year, they are 9-2 and have swept (3-0) five straight matches. At 13.2 assists, Concordia-St. Paul's Elizabeth Mohr leads the nation in assists per set. Offensively, the Golden Bears are hitting .262, led by Brooklyn Lewis at .392. 

For the Vikings, they plan on attacking Concordia by playing smart. Good defense, staying in their system, and minimizing errors will be the three keys to the game for the Vikings. In the back row, Kaylea Ahrens is leading the team with 4.3 digs per set, and will likely be tested early and often throughout the match. 

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