COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Members of the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team found out in a hurry just how difficult this season’s competition is going to be at the Iowa Western Community College Invitational Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Grizzlies (0-4) faced nationally-ranked opponents in each match of the two-day event and came up short each time.  They opened the tournament Friday against National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I defending national champion and preseason No. 1 Western Nebraska Community College of Scottsbluff, falling 17-25, 14-25, 13-25.  In the second match, they lost to Division I preseason No. 22 Hillsborough (Fla.) Community College 18-25, 20-25, 18-25.

Saturday, they took the hosting Iowa Western Reivers, the Division I preseason No. 4 pick, to four games but ultimately lost 14-25, 17-25, 25-15, 21-25.  In their final match of the event, the Grizzlies lost to Division II preseason No. 5 Iowa Lakes Community College of Estherville 19-25, 21-25, 13-25.

“There were too many errors, as far as just taking care of the ball,” Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said of the losses.  “Western Nebraska got us on our heels.  They had played (a match) before us and had a chance to work out their kinks.  We need to work on consistent, strong movement without the ball.”

Wiedemann said playing the No. 1 team “was an eye-opener” for her players in terms of the level of competition they will be facing this season.  “This is the competition we need to be able to play against.  It’s a challenge we’re going to take on as a team.  Being athletic is one thing, being consistent all the time is another,” she explained.

The Grizzlies put in a lot of good, individual performances during the tournament, but they did not do well as a group.  “There was no flow,” she said.  “When we create some momentum, we need to be able to keep it.”

Freshman outside hitter Aerielle Edwards led the Grizzlies in kills for the tournament with 27 and in points earned with 29.5.  Freshman middle attacker Candyce Alexander, who was named to the all-tournament team, followed in both categories with 26 kills and 27 points earned.  Sophomore middle attacker Yuan Fu led the team in attacking percentage with .217, recording nine kills on 23 attempts with four errors.

Freshman middle attacker Bri’Ja Watterson led the team in blocks with five, including one solo block.  Sophomore libero Abby Hanger led the team in digs with 59.  Freshman setter Ezgi Guney recorded a team-leading four aces and 109 assists for the tournament.

Wiedemann pointed out this year’s freshmen will play an integral role in the team’s offense, but several issues still need to be addressed.  “We’re not putting enough good points together.  How we handle our errors is something we need to work on.  They understand what we’re talking about – there is a lack of constant movement on the court,” she said.

The Grizzlies will open their home season at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, against Redlands Community College of El Reno, Okla., at the West Plains Civic Center arena.

Prior to the match, the Grizzly Booster Club will host it’s annual fall picnic to kick off the Grizzly Athletics season.  Everyone is invited to attend the free barbecue meal with all the trimmings beginning at 5 p.m. in the civic center exhibition hall.  The meal is being provided by Stacy Johnson of The Fish Shack and Stacy J’s Buffet and Grill.

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball program, visit the team’s website at http://www.websightmaster.com/grizzly/.