ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After losing the MIAC home opener against St. Thomas on Wednesday, the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team playsin the Wartburg Tournament in Waverly, Iowa. CSB will take on Luther College on Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. On Saturday the Blazers face Buena Vista University at 10 a.m. and Wartburg College at 2 p.m.
 
The Matchups
The Norse are 6-4 heading into Friday's matchup. Jamie Sindlinger leads the team with 87 kills, followed by Anna Larson with 85. Sam Sixta leads the team with 251 assists on the year. Taylor Gaide leads the team with 161 digs.
 
The Beavers are 7-3 heading into Saturdays matchup. Last year Buena Vista lost 3-1 to the Blazers in the Wartburg Tournament. Maddie Bardole (105 kills) and Jade Schaap (100 kills) lead the attack, while Ashely Pelton (146 assists) sets them up. Six Beavers have recorded at least 50 digs total this season.
 
The Knights are 4-3 heading into Saturday's matchup. Last year Wartburg lost 3-1 to the Blazers in the Wartburg Tournament, but turned around to beat CSB 3-2 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Aryn Jones leads Wartburg with 72 kills and 22 blocks. Maria Brown has 123 assists, and Kathryn Nasby has 115 digs this season.
 
Who to Watch
Megan Pekarek leads the Blazers with 302 assists and is second in the MIAC. Pekarek is second in the MIAC with 9.15 assists per set.  Liz Schultz (104 kills) and Briana Schmiesing (89 kills) lead the Blazers on attack. First year Haley LaValle leads the team with 148 digs.
 
The Storyline
After CSB went 2-2 last weekend and lost their first MIAC game Wednesday, Saint Benedict looks to gather momentum in Iowa this weekend. The Blazers fared well in last years Wartburg Tournament winning all three games, and hope to do the same this year. This marks the last weekend of tournaments before CSB jumps into conference play, and Saint Benedict is looking for some momentum as it heads into the heart of the MIAC season.