ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Coming off opening conference play with a 3-1 win over St. Catherine, the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (2-4, 1-0 MIAC) is heading east to take part in the UW-River Falls tournament Sept. 15-16. The trip marks the final tournament before CSB takes its home court for the first time next Friday. Before hosting Hamline on Sept. 22, CSB hits the road one last time to play St. Thomas on Sept. 20. 
 
The Schedule
The UW-River Falls tournament is a mix of MIAC and WIAC volleyball powerhouses. CSB opens tournament play against fellow MIAC school St. Olaf at 3 p.m. on Sept. 15. Immediately following its match up against the Oles, CSB faces off against UW-Stevens Point at 5 p.m. to close out the first day of tournament play. CSB will be back in action at 10 a.m. Sept 16 against UW-Stout at 10 a.m., and will wrap up tournament play against host UW-River Falls at 4 p.m. 
 
About the Opponents
St. Olaf (8-2, 1-0 MIAC) is having a solid season thus far after an underwhelming overall record of 10-16 at the end of the 2016 season. The Oles are lead offensively by sophomore Lauren Rewers who has racked up 132 kills in 31 sets played this season. 

UW-Stevens Point (9-2) is also enjoying a notable start of the season, with their only two losses coming at the hands of two top-20 ranked teams. The team is also led offensively by a sophomore enjoying a stellar second year in April Gehl, who has racked up 120 kills in her 37 sets played. 

UW-Stout sits at an even .500 with a record of 4-4 on the season thus far. The Blue Devils' game is trending in the right direction as they have won four of their last five games. Sophomore Jessica DuVal is handling the setting duties for the Blue Devils and leads the team with 196 assists in her 27 sets played. 

League-leading UW-River Falls (10-1) strong start comes despite being picked to finish last in the WIAC in the 2017 preseason poll. The team continues to be led by senior middle hitter Amara Meyer who has registered 141 kills in her 39 sets played thus far. She led the team in 2016 with 279 kills, 94 blocks, and 337 points. 
 
Who to Watch
CSB continues to be lead by stand-out senior setter Megan Pekarek who has already dished out 221 assists this season. Pekarek finished second in the MIAC last season in assists and assists per set. Junior Liz Schultz has continued her excellent attack game from last season, as she leads the team with 69 kills. Schultz has also proven herself to be a valuable asset from the service line as she leads the team with 13 service aces. Sophomore libero Haley LaValle leads the team's defensive statistics with 109 digs. First year twins Madison and Hunter Weiss have quickly shown that they are to be feared at the net as they lead the team in blocking. Madison has put up 23 blocks (1 solo) and Hunter has 16 blocks, with two of those coming in as solo efforts. 
 
The Storyline
CSB is looking to go on a run after opening MIAC play with a 3-1 win over St. Catherine. CSB displayed its offensive depth in the win with four players registering double-digit kills. Juniors Liz Schultz and Lauren Matthews lead the Blazers with 13 kills each, while first year Madison Weiss finished the match with 11 kills out of the middle. Senior Briana Schmiesing finished out the double-digit kills with her 10. Saint Benedict returns to MIAC season play on Sept. 20 when it travels to take on St. Thomas. CSB finally enjoys home court advantage on Sept. 22 when it plays host to Hamline at 7 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall.