The Eastern New Mexico volleyball team travels to Dallas, Texas. to play four matches against Arkansas Tech, Dallas Baptist University (DBU), Westminster (Utah), and Wayne State College at the 2021 Patriot Tournament September 3-4.

The Hounds begin the tournament with Arkansas Tech on Friday at 8 a.m. and take on host DBU at 1 p.m. later that day. On Saturday, ENMU takes the floor against Westminster (Utah) at 8 a.m. and wraps up the weekend with Wayne State College at 2 p.m.

2021 PRESEASON STORY LINES

The Greyhounds return to the floor after missing the 2020 season due to COVID-19 restrictions. Eastern will take part in 27 contests this season, split between two four-game tournaments, 17 Lone Star Conference events, and two non-conference clashes, with the Hounds hosting nine home games.

Returning to the team is offensive leader Jasmine Gannon. Gannon lead the team back in 2019 in kills (247) and points (277.5). Also returning are leading assist makers, Rae Sapiga and Qitana Sapiga. R. Sapiga paced the way with 438 assists over the season, while Q. Sapiga was just behind with 313 assists in 2019. In the middle, Gracelyn Stubbs returns after collecting 59 total blocks in the Greyhound’s last campaign.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

Arkansas Tech
The Golden Suns come in to the 2021 season after an abbreviated 2020 season in Spring 2021, finishing 7-5.

Arkansas Tech was projected to finish third in the Great American Conference (GAC) in the conference preseason poll.

Madison Grantham stands out as a defensive specialist leading the team in digs (258) and digs/set (5.49) last season.

In the center, Brianna Merkel was the primary setter with 339 assists and 7.21 assists per set in the 2020 season.

DBU
Conference foe DBU, competed in the LSC shortened Spring 2021 season, finishing 3-10.

First-year head coach Jordan Fish will lead the squad after being selected 13^th in the LSC preseason poll.

Last season, Baily Hebert led the offensive with 145 kills and averaged 2.79 kills per set.

Defensively, Alyssa Pevehouse ranked in the top-10 in the LSC in digs (235) and digs per set (4.52).

Westminster (Utah)
In a brief Spring 2021 season, Westminster put together a 7-11 record, with a 4-9 conference standing.

The Griffins were selected to finish 13^th in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) preseason poll.

For returners, Malinda Messner supplied the offense with 153 kills over 18 games. Messner also led the team in blocks with 49.

Bri Mortensen comes back after distributing 573 assists and averaging 7.96 assists per set. Mortensen’s assists per set were eighth in the RMAC in the 2020 season.

#24 Wayne State College
Experienced head coach Scott Kneifl (17^th season), will look to prepare his team for the 2021 campaign. Wayne State were selected 24^th in the Preseason AVCA Division II Volleyball Poll. The Wildcats were also selected to finish 5^th in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Poll.

After Wayne State missed the 2020 due to COVID-19, they will look to build off of a successful 2019 season. In their last campaign (2019), the Wildcats went 24-7.

Kelsie Cada, who had five double-doubles while averaging 2.59 kills and 3.06 digs per set as a freshman in 2019, returns as a player to watch.

Another returning starter for the Wildcats is junior setter Rachel Walker, who averaged 10.25 assists per set in 2019 to rank seventh in the NSIC.