Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. – University of Montana Western sixth-year head volleyball coach Katie Lovett has announced her team's schedule for the 2024 season.
The slate includes three preseason non-conference tournaments, as well as the annual Frontier and North Star crossover that splits up the 15-match slate of Frontier Conference action.
Montana Western begins the season Aug. 16-17 in Caldwell, Idaho for the College of Idaho Preseason Tournament. UMW opens with powerhouse and 2023 NAIA national tournament semifinalist Viterbo University (Wis.). They will then follow with a tough Morningside University (Iowa) on the opening day. They close out the weekend with host College of Idaho, followed by another big matchup with 2023 NAIA tournament semifinalist Eastern Oregon.
After packing a punch with their opening weekend, the Bulldogs then travel to Louisiana where they will face Webber International (Fla.), Loyola (La.), and Texas Wesleyan from Aug. 23 through the 24. UMW finishes its preseason tournament play at Ottawa University Arizona from Aug. 30-31 as they face Arizona Christian, Ottawa University Arizona, and Embry Riddle (Ariz.).
"We have a really competitive preseason schedule lined up for us this year. The College of Idaho tournament always brings in phenomenal competition that will challenge us right away," Lovett said. "The Loyola tournament is another one we are really looking forward to, especially getting to play teams we do not typically see over our direction. OUAZ is always a great tournament to finish up with getting to play good competition to get us ready for a very tough Frontier Conference."
The Bulldogs open their Frontier schedule at home as they host MSU-Northern on Sept. 13. UMW is set to play three matches against all Frontier opponents, with the schedule being split down the middle by the Frontier and North Star crossover that is hosted this year by Rocky Mountain College. The Bulldogs will face Valley City State (N.D.), Jamestown (N.D.), and Dickinson State (N.D.) from Oct. 10-12.
"As usual, all of the Frontier teams are going to be tough opponents. Even teams that graduated big playmakers have brought in great talent to not skip a beat," Lovett continued. "We competed well this spring and worked really hard to put us in a good mindset for this upcoming season."
Frontier action will culminate with the 2024 Frontier Conference Tournament on Nov. 15-16 that will be hosted by MSU-Northern this year. The Bulldogs will look to channel the late season magic of the 2023 season and claim an NAIA playoff berth following the tournament.
"Post season is always a fun time at the Conference Tournament, and we are hoping to put ourselves in a good position through the regular season to make the most of the opportunity the tournament presents," Lovett said.
To view the fill schedule, click here.
