SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana volleyball team (7-11 overall, 4-6 NSIC) returns to the road this weekend, starting with a 6 p.m., Friday match against UMary in Bismarck, N.D. The Vikings then have a quick turnaround, playing at 10 a.m., on Saturday morning at Minot State. 

Complete action can be followed on GoAugie.com/Live and the GoAugie app, presented by The Original Pancake House. The app can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play.

The Marauders
UMary is 6-15 overall and 1-10 in NSIC play this season. The Marauders come into the weekend after defeating Minot State in a non-conference match on Wednesday. The UMary defense has been a strength, ranking 42nd in the country and first in the NSIC with 1,272 total digs, and are fourth in the conference with 16.31 digs per set. The Marauders are led by Kaia Sueker, whose 310 digs and 4.49 digs per set lead the team, and Ally Gruber, who has a team-high 209 kills, and is second on the team with 223 digs. 

The Beavers
Minot State is 2-19 overall and 1-10 in NSIC play, entering the weekend on a 10 game losing streak. The Beavers enter the weekend seventh in the NSIC with 1,024 digs. Paige Ammerman is one of eight players in the country to record multiple triple doubles on the season, and Kendal Braun ranks 11th in the NSIC with 270 digs. 

The Vikings
Augustana attempts to bounce back after a pair of matches last weekend. 

On the season, Kia Kriener leads the Vikings with 240 kills, while Reagan Jansen follows with 157 kills and 136 digs. She also leads the team with 26 aces. Erika Bute leads the team with 357 digs, including 5.25 digs per set.

Also excelling on the front line are Maya Wente (143 kills, 61 blocks) and Callie Hohenhaus (135 kills, 55 blocks).

Lucy Bartee has put together an all-around contribution, adding 686 assists, 147 digs, 35 kills, 26 blocks, and 20 aces. Kiylah Franke and Ellie Walker have each produced on the back line, as Franke has tallied 137 digs and 22 aces, while Walker has collected 108 digs and 19 aces. 

One Last Thing
Erika Bute's 5.25 digs per set are good for 18th in the country, while her 357 total digs rank 32nd. Also in the top 50 is Lucy Bartee, whose 10.09 assists per set rank 32nd and 686 total assists rank 46th.

Looking Ahead
The Vikings host Southwest Minnesota State in nonconference action on Tuesday night at 6 p.m., inside the Elmen Center.