MINA SAN NICOLÁS LEYVA | Reporter

The Lindenwood women’s volleyball team will open its conference against Northwest Missouri State University on Sept. 14 and Missouri Western State University on Sept. 15.

The Bearcats from Northwest Missouri State will host the opening match of the MIAA conference against Lindenwood. They currently hold an overall of 8-3 for the non-conference portion of the

season.

The Lions will encounter the Bearcats on Friday in Maryville, Missouri, at 6 p.m.

Allyson Clancy, senior and setter for the Lions, said the team has refocused on smaller aspects of their game, including its ability to adapt.

“We worked incredibly hard this week on our defense and our communication as well as different shots that we can use if we need to change things up,” Clancy said. “We’ve been waiting many weeks for the conference to start, and we are hungry for our first win.”

The Missouri Western State Griffons will also host the Lions on Saturday at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph.

The Griffons won the MIAA conference championship in 2017 and currently hold an overall record of 7-4.

Outside hitter Bailey Dvorak said the Lions need to be prepared and focused for every game, no matter who they play.

“We’ve had a couple of intense practices this week, and with it being the start of conference this weekend. I think everyone will be ready to play,” she said.

As far as playing against Missouri Western goes, Dvorak said her teammates are excited to play a good team and are expecting a great match.

“All the pressure is on Missouri Western, being defending champs and all, so we just need to come in mentally prepared and ready to execute the game plan,” she said.