Game Notes

Opponent: Bellarmine
Time: Saturday, September 19; 3:00 PM
Location: Mason-Halpin Field House; Kansas City, MO

Opponent: #13 Rockhurst
Time: Saturday, September 19; 6:00 PM
Location: Mason-Halpin Field House; Kansas City, MO

Bolivar, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats will conclude their first 10 non-conference games of the season this weekend when they travel to Kansas City to face Bellarmine and Rockhurst.

The Coaches
Caira Dortch will begin her second season as the head coach at Southwest Baptist, and holds a career coaching record of 10-20 (5-17 MIAA). Prior to coming to SBU, Dortch previously coached at Drury and Evangel.

Jenni Grzebin is in her 3rd season as the head coach at Bellarmine. Grzebin holds a career coaching record of 27-29, leading the Knights to one GLVC Conference Tournament appearance.

Tracy Rietzke is in his 28th season as the head coach at Rockhurst. Rietzke boasts a career record of 1,119-251, and ranks 2nd all-time in NCAA Division II in wins and 6th all-time in win percentage.

Scouting the Bearcats
Southwest Baptist enters the week with a 1-7 record after falling to Minnesota-Crookston 3-2 their last time out. Taryn Marton leads the way offensively for SBU, averaging 2.69 kills/set, while defensviely Hannah Blount averages 4.19 digs/set.

Scouting the Opponents
Bellarmine enters the week 4-3 on the season, most recently defeating Trevecca Nazarene 3-0 on September 12. Bellarmine is led offensively by Aurryella Mason who averages 2.77 kills/set, while setter Allie Muha averages 9.67 assists/set, and Jordyn Kuchenbrod averages 5.67 digs/set.

Rockhurst enters the week 7-1 on the season, and is currently ranked #13 in the latest AVCA National Rankings. The Hawks have three athletes averaging over 3.00 kills/set in Katie Loescher (3.44), Morgan Rietzke (3.24), and Preecy Seever (3.09). Whitney Kostal averages 11.88 assists/set, while Anne Hellwege averages 5.12 digs/set.