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Missouri Western volleyball team starts its 38th season this weekend in Aberdeen,S.D., where it squares off against four teams in the Northern State University / Dacotah Bank Classic.

The Griffons kick off their 2012 schedule against Minot State at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31.  The Griffons look to build some confidence early after going 14-17 (7-11 MIAA) last season, their best record since 2006 when the team finished 16-15.

Top hitter Tahler Johnston graduated and leaves the Griffon program with 652 kills in her two seasons. Western also graduated starters Alexandra Behnke and Hannah Zimmerman.

Western returns a good core of its group that includes junior Stephanie Hattey, who is No. 13 on the all-time list for career assists with 1,851. Along with Hattey, the Griffons return senior Torey Lyman and sophomore Sarah Faubel, who will make a transition from libero to outside hitter.

Newcomers to the team include setter Jordan Chohon, who hails from Scotus Central High School in Columbus, Neb. where she was named All-State twice.

Western also plays against Chadron State College at 4:30 p.m. Friday, and is schedule to take the court twice on Saturday Sept. 1, against Northern State at noon and wrap-up the tournament against Black Hills State at 4 p.m.

The Griffons all-time record is 778-498-9.

About Minot State: This will be the first time the Griffons face Minot State in the history of the program. It will also be the Beavers first test against an NCAA school, as they join the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference this season after playing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) league. Minot State finished 2011, 18-16.

About Chadron State College: Western holds a 4-2 all-time record against the Eagles, which included a sweep of them last season at the UNK Fall Classic. Chadron State's head coach Natasha Marquis resigned after going 5-25 in 2011, leaving the Eagles with interim head coach Janel Baily at the helm.

About Northern State: The host team Northern State plays for the first time against the Griffons. The Wolves went 13-14 last year. Paula Martins is a player to watch out for after leading them in kills and blocks in 2011, and was named Honorable Mention in the NSIC.

About Black Hill State: Western finishes the weekend against Black Hills State. The Griffons won the only matchup they ever played against the Yellow Jackets. They are led by second-year coach Sally Nichols, whose team went 11-21 last year. On the court, Caitlin Templeton returns to Black Hills State for her junior campaign after finishing with 332 kills in 2011.

Up Next: The Griffons return to action on September 7-8 participating in the Missouri S&T Tournament in Rolla, Mo. The Griffons will face Southwestern Oklahoma State and Southwest Minnesota State on Friday, September 7 at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm respectively and wrap up the tournament on Saturday against Upper Iowa University at 11:00 am and host Missouri S&T at 5:00 pm.