DENTON, Texas – Midwestern State opened the 2019 Volleyball season last weekend with a 2-2 showing at the Gorilla Classic Tournament. Now, the Mustangs head to Denton, Texas for an appearance at the Pioneer Invitational. On Friday, MSU takes on Henderson State (Arkansas) at 2 p.m. before meeting Sioux Falls (South Dakota) at 6 p.m.
 
SERIES HISTORY
This is just the second meeting between Midwestern State and Henderson State (Arkansas), and first since the Reddies defeated the Mustangs in five sets in 1998. MSU has never faced Sioux Falls.  
 
HOWES YOU DOING
Freshman Rachel Howes picked up 11 kills last Saturday against Southwest Baptist, making it the second time in four matches the Plano, Texas native reached double digits in kills. The Outside Hitter also finished with 8 digs against the Bearcats, narrowly missing the first double-double of her career.
 
HELPFUL HAND
Through four matches, Sarah Glawe has notched 89 assists (5.56/set). The junior is currently tied for sixth place in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) with her 89 helpers.
 
SCOUTING THE FIELD
Like Midwestern State, Henderson State (Arkansas) came away from a season-opening tournament with a 2-2 record. Sabrina Show leads NSU with 63 kills (3.32/set). Taylor Scalzi (93 assists, 4.89/set) and Abby Blackburn (91 assists, 4.79/set) are off to strong starts as well for a Reddies squad that has a hitting percentage of .165.
 
Sioux Falls (South Dakota) is off to a 4-0 start in 2019 and received votes in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association Poll (AVCA). The Cougars did not lose a set in their season opening appearance at the Best Western West Hills Inn Eagles Classic. USF has done a good job of sharing the ball, as three players, Averey Yaksich (3.80/set), Kasandra Springer (3.58/set), and (Kenzie Byers, 2.33/set) average more than two kills per set.  

COACH'S CORNER
Valerie Armstrong began her second season as Head Coach of the Midwestern State Volleyball team with a thrilling five-set win over Western State (Colorado) on September 6. In her first season at the helm, the Mustangs posted a 5-23 record and a 3-17 mark in the Lone Star Conference.
 
UP NEXT
Another tournament as MSU Texas heads to the DBU Patriot Tournament for Saturday matches against Missouri Southern State (11 a.m.) and Dallas Baptist (5 p.m.).