SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Lake Superior State University volleyball team is set to compete in their second invitational in as many weeks as they travel to the Show-Me State for four matches at the Drury/SWB Invitational in both Bolivar and Springfield, Mo.
The Lakers posted a 1-3 record at the Northern Michigan Open, in Marquette, Mich., including a sweep over Minnesota-Crookston and a five-set match against Bemidji State that was ultimately decided by a combined total of seven points. As a team, the Lakers have three players that have eclipsed 30 kills after four matches with Nina White (Chelsea, Mich.) right behind them with 28. Meanwhile, Emily Kalinowski (South Lyon, Mich.) received additional recognition for her performance, being named to the NMU Open All-Tournament Team after tallying 126 assists, 30 digs, 15 kills, and four solo blocks.
The Lakers will open the weekend on Friday, Sept. 2 against the host team, the Southwest Baptist Bearcats, at 10:30 a.m. before taking on the Rockhurst Hawks later that afternoon in Bolivar, Mo. They will then travel to nearby Springfield, Mo. for matches against Missouri Western State and the other host school, Drury on Saturday, Sept. 3.
Southwest Baptist opened their season with a 1-3 weekend at the Oklahoma Christian Tournament, with their lone victory coming against the host team, the Oklahoma Christian Eagles. The Bearcats are led offensively by Azalea Clendenning who posted 49 kills in her first four contests.
Rockhurst hosted their own invitational to start the season where they went a perfect 4-0, including a 3-1 victory over No. 16 Hillsdale. The Hawks have made their presence felt on defense so far this season as their 42 total blocks have them currently in the top-10 in that category.
The Missouri Western State Griffins opened their season with a 1-3 record at the Rockhurst Invitational with their lone victory coming against Minnesota State-Mankato. The Griffins have had a balanced attack so far with five different players eclipsing the 30-kill mark.
The Drury Panthers are still searching for their first victory of the 2022 season after going 0-4 at the St. Cloud Invitational. However, three out of their first four opponents entered the season ranked in the top-15 teams in NCAA Division II, and they were also able to force five-set matches in three of their first four. Senior Chloe Rear has also managed to tally a pair of triple-doubles in her most recent two matches.
After their trip to Missouri, the Lakers will open up Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Friday, Sept. 9 when they host the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals in Bud Cooper Gymnasium with the first serve scheduled for 2 p.m.