Rochester, Mn-

Volleyball teams around the Minnesota College Athletic Conference head into the weekend of September 22-24 with some important midweek matches in the rearview mirror and Divisional showdowns looming. On the national scene, several MCAC squads have found themselves in the top NJCAA Top Ten rankings: St. Cloud Technical & Community College leads the way at #4, followed closely by #5 Ridgewater College and #6 Central Lakes College.  Also found in the 'Receiving Votes' category was Northern Division mainstay Northland Community & Technical College, who are hoping for a strong showing this week to move them back into the Top 10.  For the complete NJCAA national poll, please visit this link. 

Video Clip-of-the-Week:    Our video clip of the week comes from the MCAC Volleyball ranks; Divisional leader and nationally ranked St. Cloud Technical & Community College provides MCAC fans with a highlight from their match against Ridgewater College, two of the top NJCAA Division III volleyball programs in the county.  Check out the amazing defensive battle at:   https://youtu.be/6M1JYRnS8Co

Weekend Action: Northern Division leader Central Lakes College will see two challengers for their throne this weekend, with a Friday match against Hibbing Community College and Rainy River Community College who comes to Brainerd on Saturday.  Northland CTC will also face Rainy River on Friday night, making this weekend an important set of fixtures for the Voyaguers. Like CLC, Mesabi Range College will have two MCAC contests this weekend, with a Friday showdown against Itasca Community College and a Saturday match at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College.  The Lady Norse will be on the road for both contests. In addition to their showdown with MRC, Itasca will compete against Vermilion Community College on Saturday, hosting the Ironwomen and new head coach Krystal Brodeen. The Vermilion vs. FDL contest will provide the opportunity for the winner to collect their first MCAC victory on the year, while the Hibbing vs. Central Lakes match Friday night will be the showdown of the last two unbeaten MCAC volleyball squads in the Northern Division.

In the South, SCTCC is the only unbeaten team left at 5-0 in Divisional action.  The Cyclones are coming off a key 3-2 win over M State on Wednesday and will have to face only one team this weekend, with a Friday night contest against Anoka-Ramsey Community College at home in St. Cloud.  Rochester Community & Technical College will make a western road trip this weekend, taking on two top programs with a Friday evening match at Ridgewater College and a Saturday slate with M State in Fergus Falls.  The Yellowjackets look to be in good form, coming off 3-0 victories over MCAC North teams Hibbing and Central Lakes.  In addition to their match versus RCTC, M State will host Western Technical College, who will also take on the Warriors in Wilmar as a part of their travels. Riverland CC and Minnesota West will only have to navigate one match this weekend, but it's a important one, as the two I-90 rivals will tangle on Friday night at MnWest at 6:30pm.   

Complete MCAC Volleyball individual statistical leaders are listed here.  

For more on MCAC Volleyball, including standings, scores and more, go to: http://www.mcacsports.org/sports/wvball/index

To Follow Minnesota College Athletic Conference sports in 2017,  please go to: www.mcacsports.org

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This release sponsored in part by Gopher Sport. 

Gopher Sport, based in Owatonna, is an industry leader in Physical Education, sports and fitness equipment.  Gopher Sport is dedicated to providing programs and departments with the products to improve fitness, develop skills, create fun and reach a high standard of learning and living. Gopher Sport has diligently served teachers, coaches and athletic directors around the world for over 65 years.