VCSU Volleyball Returns Home to Face Bismarck State and Dickinson State
- Valley City State volleyball enters October seeking to reverse a two-match skid as the team returns to North Dakota for a pair of home Frontier Conference games against...
- at the home court, where VCSU aims to translate familiar surroundings into much-needed conference momentum.
- While Bismarck State arrives riding a five-match win streak, VCSU holds a commanding recent history against Friday's opponent.
Valley City State volleyball enters October seeking to reverse a two-match skid as the team returns to North Dakota for a pair of home Frontier Conference games against Bismarck State on Thursday, Oct. 1, and Dickinson State on Friday, Oct. 2. The Vikings open the home stand at 4–12 overall and 2–7 in conference play after suffering road losses to Dakota State and nationally ranked Bellevue last weekend, vcsuvikings.com reported.
Valley City State Hosts Bismarck State and Dickinson State
Both matches begin at 6 p.m. at the home court, where VCSU aims to translate familiar surroundings into much-needed conference momentum. The Vikings enter Thursday’s contest looking to interrupt a high-flying Bismarck State squad. The Mystics arrive with a 7–7 overall record and a 5–4 conference standing, fueled by a five-match winning streak that features consecutive sweeps of Providence, MSU-Northern, and Carroll, alongside a four-set win over Rocky Mountain last Saturday.
Conversely, Dickinson State steps onto the floor Friday trying to solidify its own footing at 5–11 overall and 4–5 in conference play. The Blue Hawks have won three of their last four contests, defeating MSU-Northern and Providence before sweeping Rocky Mountain in their most recent outing. Dickinson State is scheduled to play at Mayville State on Thursday prior to traveling to Valley City.
History Favors Vikings Against Blue Hawks
While Bismarck State arrives riding a five-match win streak, VCSU holds a commanding recent history against Friday’s opponent. The Vikings have captured seven consecutive victories over Dickinson State, a run that includes a pair of four-set wins last season.
To maintain that streak and overcome Dickinson State’s recent surge, VCSU must clean up its execution on the court. Team success relies on converting steady first contacts into reliable scoring opportunities and containing extended opponent runs that threaten to flip the momentum of a set.
Reunion Night Celebrates 1996 Championship Squad
Friday’s match against Dickinson State will double as a milestone celebration for the program, with VCSU honoring its 1996 Hall of Fame and conference championship volleyball team for its 30-year reunion. Coached by Diane Burr, the historic 1996 roster finished with a 33–8 overall record and an 11–1 mark in the NDCAC.
Several players from that championship roster earned top individual accolades. Jackie (Bisson) Lusk and Kelli (Geurtz) Heiser ’97 secured Great Plains Player of the Year honors, while Lusk, Heiser, Charity (Hanson) Nix ’00, and Kathy Remillard ’00 picked up All-NDCAC recognition. Lusk also earned honorable mention All-American status.
Road Trip Awaits After Home Stand
Fans unable to attend the matches in person can access live video and live statistics through the official volleyball schedule at vcsuvikings.com. Following this weekend’s home matches, the Vikings will pack their bags for another conference road trip to face Montana Tech on Oct. 9 and Montana Western on Oct. 10.