VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Valley City State University volleyball team returns to the Bubble this weekend with postseason hopes still alive and two special celebrations highlighting its final regular-season matches.
The Vikings host No. 13 Bellevue on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. for Parents Night before welcoming Dakota State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. for Senior Day. Saturday's match will recognize seniors Gracie Schumacher and Eden Carrier for their contributions to Viking volleyball.
VCSU enters the weekend at 8-19 overall and 6-14 in Frontier Conference play following road losses at Dickinson State and Bismarck State. The Vikings remain in the chase for the conference tournament's final berth, sitting one win behind eighth-place Dickinson State with two matches remaining. The top eight teams advance to the Frontier Conference Tournament, scheduled for Nov. 12-14 at Carroll College's PE Center in Helena, Mont.
Schumacher returns home after reaching a career milestone in VCSU's last match at Bismarck State, surpassing 1,000 career assists. The senior setter finished the match with 19 assists and 10 digs, adding another memorable moment to her Viking career ahead of Saturday's recognition.
Molly Bjorneby led VCSU against the Mystics with 12 kills and 11 digs. Madden Bogenreif contributed 20 assists, while Reece Cave paced the defense with 16 digs. The Vikings won the opening set 25-23 before Bismarck State took the next three to secure the match.
The final weekend brings a challenging pair of opponents to Valley City. Bellevue leads the Frontier Conference at 18-2 and has clinched the regular-season title, while Dakota State has also secured a tournament berth. VCSU will look to turn its home-court opportunity into victories as it works to extend its season.
Friday's Parents Night provides an opportunity to recognize the families who support the Viking program. Saturday's focus shifts to Schumacher and Carrier as teammates and fans celebrate the two seniors during their final regular-season home appearance.
Live video and statistics links for both matches are available at VCSUVikings.com.
