VALLEY CITY, ND  (NewsDakota.com and VCSUVikings.com)  After an historic season a year ago, the Viking volleyball team will open a highly-anticipated season Friday in Florida.

Valley City State travels to the Keiser Viper Sports Academy Classic in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The No. 22 Vikings will face stiff competition to begin the season, facing three teams who are at least receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. Games begin Friday as VCSU faces (RV) Indiana Tech on Friday at 9 a.m. CT and Taylor University at 3 p.m. CT.

Then on Saturday, VCSU takes on No. 11 Missouri Baptist at 9 a.m. CT followed by No. 19 St. Thomas University at 3 p.m. CT.

The opening of the season is accompanied by anticipation of a high quality season for the Vikings, who advanced to the pool play round of the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history last season.  The season was highlighted by a sweep of defending national champion University of Jamestown at the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse and a win in the opening round of the national tournament on the road at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.

Third-team All-American setter Sadie Hanson returns to quarterback the offense, with All-NSAA honored front-row players Danielle Hagler and Morgan Freije.  Jaycee Richter returns as the Libero, and Morgan Nelson, Lexi Thorsgard, Ellie Rush, Delani Clark and Reagan Bogenreif all return after making key contributions to the Viking effort in the past two seasons.

Valley City State opens home play on September 10th at the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse facing Concordia College in non-conference play.