PITTSBURG, Kansas – Midwestern State begins the 2019 season against Western State (Colorado) as part of the Gorilla Classic Tournament on Friday, September 6 at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. The Mustangs and Mountaineers square off at 9 a.m. Central Time. MSU will then take on Pittsburg State (Kansas) at 2 p.m. Central Time to finish off their first day of the tournament.
 
SERIES HISTORY
This is the second meeting all-time between MSU and Western State (Colorado). The Mountaineers won the previous meeting 3-1 on August 25, 2006 in Lakewood, Colorado. This is the fifth meeting between Midwestern State and Pittsburg State (Kansas). The two teams have split their first four matchups. MSU won the last meeting, 3-1, on September 2, 2016 in Topeka, Kansas.
 
STARTING FRESH
Midwestern State is 15-17 all-time in season openers. The Mustangs have dropped their last two season opening matches.
 
COACH'S CORNER
Valerie Armstrong begins her second season as Head Coach of the Midwestern State University Volleyball team. In her first season at the helm, the Mustangs posted a 5-23 record and a 3-17 mark in the Lone Star Conference. Armstrong led MSU to their first win over a ranked opponent since 2011 when the Mustangs defeated #16 Central Oklahoma, 3-2, on August 24.
 
SUPER SARAH TIMES TWO
Senior middle blocker Sarah Eakin leads a group of four returning starters. The Wichita Falls native set a program single season record with 1.30 blocks per set last season. Junior setter Sarah Glawe made 28 starts last season, ranking third in the league with 7.70 assists per set.
 
SCOUTING THE FIELD
Western State (Colorado) has won just two matches in each of the last two seasons. The Mountaineers are led by outside hitter Kirsten Companik, who posted a team-best 153 kills last season. After winning just 15 matches combined over a three-year stretch (2015-2017), Pittsburg State (Kansas) exploded for 18 wins in 2018. The Gorillas possess a dynamic duo of outside hitter Meg Auten (231 kills) and middle blocker/right side Emily Regier (206 kills).
 
UP NEXT
Another day of competition at the Gorilla Classic Tournament as the Mustangs battle Missouri Western State (9 a.m.) and Southwest Baptist (2 p.m.) on Saturday, September 7.