WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Two nationally-ranked teams will go head to head at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, when the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team faces Indian Hills Community College of Ottumwa, Iowa, at the West Plains Civic Center in the Grizzlies’ first home match of season.
The match is being sponsored by Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply.
The Grizzlies, who are 4-0 after competing in the Dana Hatch Invitational this past weekend at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, are ranked sixth in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Division I Women’s Volleyball preseason poll, released last week. The Indian Hills Warriors, who are also 4-0 after competing in the South Suburban Tournament at Wisconsin Dells, Wis., are ranked 12th.
“What a great first game of the year at home!,” Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. “Two ranked teams who are undefeated makes for an exciting event. We realize we have a target on our backs in almost every game we play, and this one is no different. We will have to be ready to play a good team that wants to come in and make a point. We are excited the Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply is supporting our team and this game. It should be a barn burner!”
Prior to the match, the Grizzly Booster Club will host its annual fall picnic at 5 p.m. in the civic center exhibit hall. The event, which will feature a complimentary barbecue meal provided by The Fish Shack and Hiland Dairy, is held annually and serves as the official kick-off to the Grizzly Athletics season. Players and coaches for the Grizzly Volleyball, Basketball and Cheer Teams will be introduced as part of the festivities.
Admission to the picnic and the match are free, and all area residents are invited to attend, organizers said.
More information about the Grizzly Athletics program, including the booster club, which is still accepting memberships, can be found at http://wp.missouristate.edu/grizzly/.