Game Notes

Bolivar, Mo. - The Bearcats will conclude their 2011 season this week when they travel to Truman State on Wednesday, and are set to host Northwest Missouri on Friday, and Missouri Western on Saturday. The Bearcats look to move up the MIAA rankings with three conference victories this week. Senior night is set for the Saturday match-up against Missouri Western, which has been moved to a 6:00 p.m. start time.

The Bearcats are lead offensively this season by Britni Reed and Kylie Heim. Reed is averaging 2.85 kills per set, and 3.41 digs per set, while Heim is averaging 2.29 kills per set and 0.82 blocks per set. Defensively Kristi Hager leads the way for SBU, averaging 4.17 digs per set.

The Coaches
Bearcats head coach Kelly Richardson attended Missouri State University on a volleyball scholarship where she trained as a setter. After completing her 2000 season at MSU, she transferred to Evangel University where she continued to set and also played right side. Richardson broke six school records while attending Evangel, and was the first player in school history to be named a volleyball All-American. Richardson graduated from Evangel with her B.S. in physical education and a health minor. Coach Richardson has entered into her fifth season, as the Bearcats head coach with a 6-6 record. Richardson career coaching recorded at SBU is 54-104.

Ben Briney begins his third season as the head coach of the Truman volleyball program in 2011. Through his first two seasons as a head coach, the Bulldogs have reached the NCAA tournament each season.

Jessica Rinehart is in her first season as head coach of the Bearcats.

Cory Frederick enters his third season as the Griffon head coach where he has an overall record of 13-39.

Scouting the Opponent
Truman State comes into the week with a 6-4 record in their last ten games played, and a one game losing streak. The Bulldogs are lead offensively by Megan Sharpe who averages 2.97 kills per set.

Northwest Missouri comes into the week winning 3 of their last 10 games, and a two game losing streak. The Bearcats are lead offensively by Brooke Bartosh with 2.68 kills per set.

Missouri Western comes into the week winning 4 of their last 10 games, and are currently riding a 1 game win streak. The Griffons are lead by Tahler Johnston who averages 3.23 kills per set.