Springfield Standard

Missouri State volleyball is set for two home events this weekend at Hammons Student Center as the team prepares for its season opener on August 29. The Bears will hold the Maroon and White Scrimmage on Friday at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Alumni Match at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Missouri State will face Central Arkansas in an exhibition match at 3 p.m. Admission to all events over the weekend is free.

The Conference USA preseason poll was released Thursday, placing Missouri State ninth in its first season competing in the 12-team league. The ranking was determined by a vote among league coaches, with Missouri State receiving 45 points, closely grouped with three other teams occupying the seventh through tenth positions.

Western Kentucky was named preseason favorite in the poll, finishing just ahead of UTEP.

Missouri State's regular season starts August 29-30 at the Wildcat Classic hosted by Abilene Christian University. During that tournament, MSU will compete against Oklahoma, ACU, and Incarnate Word.

Following their opening tournament, the Bears will play five straight matches at home. This stretch includes hosting the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational from September 4-6 and two games against Purdue Fort Wayne on September 11 and 12.

The Conference USA schedule features eight weekends of competition structured as two-game series. Missouri State's first conference games are scheduled for September 26-27 at FIU, followed by a home series against Western Kentucky on October 3-4.

"Western Kentucky was picked the preseason favorite, narrowly edging UTEP."