SDSU volleyball alumni scrimmage is Saturday

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BROOKINGS – With less than nine days before its season opener, the South Dakota State volleyball team will see some new competition when it hosts the 2017 Alumni Scrimmage on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Frost Arena.

Admission is free and provides an opportunity for the Jackrabbit faithful to see the team before it opens its 52nd season at the Pepsi Panther Invitational in Milwaukee, Wis., on Aug. 25-26.

SDSU alumni taking the court for the Jackrabbits include:

• Emily (Rooney) Bohmback, 2005-07

• Mackenzie (Osadchuk) Decker, 2006-07

• Rachel Dahl, 2006-08

• Kelli Fiegen, 2008, 2010-12

• Carley Gerving, 2014-15

• Amy (Anderson) Nelson, 2004-07

• Amanda (Stout) Wortman, 2010-12

Here are five things to watch for in the alumni match:

1 – The Jackrabbits' attack in the middle will be from junior Payton Richardson and Macy Smith, Fiona Harding and Erin Cutts. All are newcomers, but have combined for 1,300 kills during their college and high school careers.

2 – SDSU's depth will be on the outside with junior Sierra Peterson, Summit League All-Freshman Team picks Makenzie Hennen and Ashlynn Smith, and rookie Brie-Anna Armstrong.

3 – Playing the right side for the Jackrabbits will be freshman Hanna Jellema, who finished her high school career with more than 600 kills.

4 – The defensive group was beefed up this year. Last year's starting libero, Ellie Benson, returns for her senior season and welcomes junior transfer Megan Jensen and freshman Kari Brucker.

5 – Junior Mattison Munger is back to run the offense for the Jackrabbits. The junior started 25 of 26 matches last year. She averaged 8.99 assists per set and was second on the team with 244 digs. Freshman Maddie Fay will push Munger in the starting spot.