The Bemidji State University volleyball team continues Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play this weekend when it plays No. 10 Wayne State College (Neb.) Friday and No. 20 Augustana College Saturday. The Beavers (4-12, 2-5 NSIC) travel to Wayne, Neb. and to Sioux Falls, S.D. to face ranked opponents in consecutive matches.

Bemidji State looks to rebound from last week, after it dropped two conference matches to Minnesota State University Moorhead and No. 9 Northern State University. Despite winning the first set 25-19 against MSU-Moorhead, BSU lost three straight sets (16-25, 21-25, 21-25) to fall to the Dragons 3-1. The Beavers would have to rally back the next day against one of the few undefeated teams remaining in the NCAA. However, they couldn’t match the energy brought by the Wolves and fell in the match, 3-0.

Entering the weekend, seniors Kayla DeJong and Ashley Kiecker are among the conference leaders at their position. At Libero, DeJong has recorded 250 digs, ranking her sixth in the conference. Coordinating the Beavers attack as a setter, Kiecker has assisted on 364 kills and stands in 13th place in the NSIC. Outside hitter, Jessica Yost, is also among the conferences best in serving the ball and is tied for the lead with 24 service aces.

Leading the Beavers attack is the duo of Amanda Tronick and Yost. The pairing has combined for 58 percent of Bemidji State’s kills after Tronick paces the Beavers with 182 kills, followed by Yost with 170. The two also excel on the defensive side of the net as Yost ranks second on the team with 164 digs and has posted four double-doubles this season, and Tronick stands in fourth on the team with 106 digs and has also recorded four double-doubles.

Earning points on defense, the Beavers have a pair of freshmen leading the team in blocks. Hortonville, Wis. native Kori Leist leads the Beavers with 37 blocks (11s-26a) while Naperville, Ill. native Hailey Kauling ranks second with 31 (3s-28a).