SIOUX FALLS, SD – The University of Mary volleyball team hits the road as the Marauders challenge the University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD, on Friday, September 27, at 6 pm and #8 Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, on Saturday, September 28, at 1 pm.   

FOLLOW LIVE
Fans can watch live or follow live stats at www.GoUMary.com/coverage

LAST TIME OUT
UMary (2-8, 0-2 NSIC) dropped their first two home conference contests to Augustana University (3-0) and Southwest Minnesota State University (3-0). Freshman Dani Highum recorded a season-high ten kills against AU. Charli Blackman posted ten kills against SMSU.

SUEKER REACHES 1500 DIGS
Kaia Sueker earned her 1500^th career dig in the second set against Augustana University.  Sueker has put up 161 digs thus far this season, averaging 4.47 digs per set. The Marshall, MN, native has posted 451 digs in the past two seasons. Sueker recorded 14 digs against the Vikings and 15 digs against the Mustangs last week.

STAT LEADERS
Gabby Caskey leads the Marauders in kills with 99 on a .276 hitting percentage. Caskey also leads the team in blocks with 25.

Kaia Sueker has the most digs on the team with 161.

Maddy Freed has dished out the most assists with 341.

Charli Blackman is second on the team in kills (95) and digs (103).

OPPO RESEARCH – UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS
USF has opened the season with a 6-4 record overall and a 1-1 record in the NSIC. Last season, the Cougars went 13-15 and finished 8^th in the conference. Junior outside hitter Sadie Voss leads the team in kills with 126.  Junior setter Elise Gillen has the most assists on the Cougars with 259. Fifth-year Middle Blocker leads USF in blocks with 39.

OPPO RESEARCH – WAYNE STATE COLLEGE
WSC is ranked #8 in the country according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The Wildcats have started the season 8-2 overall and 2-0 in conference action. Senior middle hitter Taya Beller has the most kills on the team with 125 on a .363 hitting percentage. Freshman setter Molly Romano has put up the most assists (380). Defensive specialist Brooke Peltz leads WSC in digs with 163.

MARAUDERS PICKED TO FINISH 12^TH IN THE NSIC
The 2024 NSIC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll projected the Marauders to finish 12^th in the Northern Sun this upcoming season. Last season, UMary took 12^th in the NSIC after finishing the season with a 9-19 record overall and a 4-14 record in conference action.

NSIC PLAYER TO WATCH
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced that returning fifth-year senior Maddie Cooper is the player to watch for UMary for the 2024 season. Cooper is the Marauders leading returner from last year in kills (204), kills per set (2.04), blocks (77), blocks per set (0.75), and hitting percentage (.230). The Fargo, ND, native also provided UMary with 24 serving aces and 50 digs last season.

THE STAFF
Abby Pollart returns for her fourth season as the head coach of Marauders Volleyball. Joining Pollart, also for her fourth season in the program, is assistant coach Bree Spenner, as well as Madeleine Callicoat in her first season as a Graduate Assistant Coach.

RETURNERS
The Marauders bring back ten returners from last year's team. Returning alongside Cooper are seniors Kayla Lewinski, McKenna Kirkpatrick, Reyna Isenbart, Robi Binagi, Chloe Lieser and Kaia Sueker. Other returners include junior Maddy Freed and sophomores Chloe Solheid and Karina Hixon.

NEW FACES
Coach Pollart and her staff added three transfers to the mix for the 2024 season. Jenna Lansing (Wartburg College), Gabby Caskey (McCook Community College) and Charli Blackman (Western Nebraska Community College) will each look to make an immediate impact. The 2024 freshman class includes Judith Burke, Aubrey Flynn, Holli Klettheimer, Natalie Boehmer, Shea Barron, Bailey Barnes and Dani Highum.

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