California Tourney On VB Bulldogs' 29-Match 2011 Schedule
Mississippi State travels to Stockton, Calif., Sept. 2-3 and meets first-time opponents University of the Pacific, Duquesne and Army in the University of the Pacific/Community Bankers Classic. It's the first visit to the Golden State for State, whose only previous journey to the Pacific Time Zone was a 2003 tournament trip to Oregon State.
"We're looking forward to the challenges that await us with this year's schedule," said Hazelwood. "With so many girls on our team from the Western United States, we are really excited to have an opportunity for their families and friends to come watch us play," said Hazelwood. "It is also great to play so many different teams for the first time. Playing new opponents really helps us grow as we continue to build a strong program at Mississippi State."
MSU returns four starters and four other letter-winners from last year's team, including senior outside hitter Caitlin Rance of Kingwood, Texas, who paced MSU with 403 kills and drew starts in all 31 matches last fall. State's roster also includes a pair of California natives, junior outside hitter Faith Steinwedell of La Jolla and sophomore outside hitter Dani McCree from Rialto as well as a pair of Arizona products, junior middle block Mandy Mellencamp of Prescott and freshman middle blocker Kristin Byers from Tucson.
The Bulldogs launch their 37th season of volleyball and a 13-match home schedule Aug. 26-27 when Mississippi State welcomes Southern Illinois, Tennessee-Martin and Southeastern Louisiana to the Newell-Grissom Building for the 2011 Mississippi State Maroon Classic. State's 2011 home schedule also features 10 Southeastern Conference weekend matches contested on Friday nights (7 p.m.) or Sunday afternoons (1:30 p.m.) during the upcoming season.
MSU also travels to Beaumont, Texas, Sept. 9-10 for a third early-season tournament, taking on host Lamar University, Baylor and Texas-El Paso in the Bulldogs' final non-conference competition of the 2011 campaign.