The UND volleyball team will enter its second Division I season in August when the Sioux will play in a two-day tournament at Indiana State. In reality, however, it will be UND's first real taste of a true Division I schedule.
The Sioux, who released their 2009 schedule Thursday, will play 26 matches, 25 against Division I competition. UND finished 24-8 last season, playing a schedule that included only four established Division I programs.
"It's a tough schedule," first-year UND coach Ashley Hardee said. "We have some real challenging competition, like Arizona State, Wyoming and Southern Methodist University.
"But we have an experienced group coming back so I'm OK with playing a tough schedule."
UND returns all of its players from last season. However, Hardee said the Sioux still could add another player as recruiting for the 2009 season continues.
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UND's second Division I season will include eight home matches, seven against Great West Conference members.
The first part of UND's season will be difficult as the Sioux open with 10 straight matches on the road. After Indiana State, the Sioux will play in tournaments at Wyoming and Montana.
The Montana tournament includes PAC-10 member Arizona State and SMU, a team Hardee said could have a break-out season nationally.
Fostering future relationships
UND's second D-I season also will be about fostering relationships for future home matches.
The Sioux will play at Gonzaga on Sept. 23, part of a Washington road trip that also includes a match against Seattle University.
Gonzaga, Hardee said, has agreed to play at UND in 2010. The Sioux coach is hopeful that UND will be able to host an early season tournament involving Gonzaga and two other D-I programs.
"We're trying to make that the kickoff for the 2010 season," Hardee said.
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UND's only non-Division I game is against Bemidji State on Oct. 13.
UND's home matches will be against Houston Baptist, Texas-Pan American, Seattle University, New Jersey Tech, Chicago State, Utah Valley State and South Dakota.
The Great West tournament is scheduled for Houston on Nov. 20-21.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
