CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Southern Utah University volleyball team will travel west this weekend, playing in the San Francisco/Saint Mary's Tournament. They will play the host team Saint Mary's College on Friday, September 7 at 7 p.m. and then Hofstra University and the second hosts, the University of San Francisco on Saturday, September 8 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

"This is another opportunity for us to get better on the road before we start conference play," SUU head coach Pete Hoyer said. "Our emphasis is our side of the net right now. We've got a young team, we are still figuring things out and the more game experience we can get, the better we will be for our Big Sky matches".  

Last Time Out

The Thunderbirds claimed their first season win as they swept Jacksonville State University 3-0 on Saturday, September 1 after falling to Grand Canyon University 2-3, and Boston College 0-3 in the GCU Tournament.

The victory against JSU was head coach Pete Hoyer's first career victory with SUU.

Over the weekend, Janet Kalaniuvalu led the team in kills, totalling 40 along with 32 digs. Emma Mangum also had an impressive weekend, tallying 23 total kills. Freshman libero, Miahna Waters held down the defensive play with 59 digs, 28 of them coming from the JSU match.

Opponent Preview: Saint Mary's College of California (4-2)

The Gael's went undefeated last weekend as they knocked off Fresno State, Cal Baptist, and American University in the Fresno State Invitational.

Lindsey Calvin and Lindsey Knudsen are the offensive leaders for Saint Mary's, averaging 2.9 and 2.8 kills per set. Setter Alexsa Parker has accounted for 177 assists this season.

Head coach Rob Browning is in his 14th season with the Gaels.

Opponent Preview: Hofstra University (6-1)

The Pride is in the midst of a three game win streak, after playing Southeastern Louisiana, Albany and Army West Point in the Black Knights Invitational.

Hofstra's offense is led by outside hitter Laura Masciullo and right side Aisha Skinner, both with 80 cumulative kills, averaging 3.3 kills per set. Standing 6'1", middle blocker Michela Rucli leads the Pride in blocks with a 26 on the season followed closely by 6'2" MB Doris Bogoje with 23 total blocks.

Emily Mansor enters her fifth season as the head coach for HU.

Opponent Preview: University of San Francisco (2-4)

The Dons also played in last weekend's Fresno State Invitational, but lost to Fresno State, Cal Baptist and American University.

Junior Kathya Garcia is the main offensive attacker for USF with 72 kills, averaging three kills per set. Right side Emily Zinger proves to be a large component of the Don's defense with 22 blocks and six digs.

Head coach Frank Lavrisha heads into his second season with USF.

Live Stats/Live Stream

A live stream for Southern Utah's match against San Francisco will be available on www.usfdons.com.

Links to live stats will be available on www.suutbirds.com prior to the start of competition.

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Fans can visit www.tbirdtickets.com to purchase tickets for the 2018 Thunderbird volleyball season.