BISMARCK, N.D. - The long-awaited beginning to a new era is finally on the horizon for Bismarck State College. The Mystics' journey, which began in October 2023, reaches a milestone this weekend as they compete in the school's first NAIA event.
The team travels to North Sioux City, S.D., this weekend, Aug. 22 and 23, to compete in the Siouxland Invitational. Here's who they will match up against:
Friday, Aug. 22
11:30 a.m. CT –  William Penn University (Oskaloosa, Iowa)
About William Penn:
- Heart of America Conference
- Head Coach: Lauren Eldridge (4th Season, 55-47)
- Current Season: 2-0
- 2024 Record: 18-16 (8-10)
7 p.m. CT – Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, Iowa)
About Briar Cliff:
- Great Plains Athletic Conference
- Head Coach: Lauren Boatman (1st Season)
- Current Season: 0-0
- 2024 Record: 6-22 (0-16)
Saturday, Aug. 23
10:30 a.m. CT – Spartanburg Methodist College (Spartanburg, S.C.)
About Spartanburg Methodist:
- Appalachian Athletic Conference
- Head Coach: Makayla Holcombe (3rd Season, 39-33)
- Current Season: 0-4
- 2024 Record (First season in NAIA, independent): 18-19
1 p.m. CT – Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kan.)
About Bethany:
- Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
- Head Coach: Ayona Tharps (2nd Season, 8-18)
- Current Season: 0-0
- 2024 Record: 8-18 (2-11)
This will be the Mystics' first time competing against each of the four schools. Spartanburg Methodist College also notably transitioned from the NJCAA to the NAIA in the fall of 2024, one year before the Mystics.
GAME COVERAGE
Live Stats:
Game One vs William Penn
Game Two vs Briar Cliff
Game Three vs Spartanburg Methodist
Game Four vs Bethany
Live Video ($):Â
https://www.ballertv.com/events/siouxland-volleyball-naia-invitational
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What to Expect:
Coach
Kyle Kuether's squad is looking to build off its successful 2024 campaign despite the transition to competing against four-year schools.
The Mystics dominated the Mon-Dak Conference in 2024, posting a fourth consecutive first-place finish and a 25-6 overall record. They also took home the NJCAA Region XIII championship.
Some returning players to watch include:
Chelsa Krom (Bismarck, ND) – Jr., MB | 224 kills and a team-high 92 blocks in 2024
Delaney Deschamp (Dickinson, ND) – So., S | 286 assists in 2024
Kate Zimmer (Kenmare, ND) – So., S | 2024 All-Conference, team-high 543 assists
Reese Duchsherer (Bismarck, ND) – So., OH | 2024 All-Conference, 256 kills, 58 blocks and 275 assists
Kyle Kuether enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Mystics. He carries an impressive career record of 119-33 and went 59-7 in conference play during the past five seasons in the Mon-Dak.
He's ready for the new challenge that moving to the NAIA presents. "There will be some little adjustments, just knowing that we're playing some different systems," Kuether said during media day. "I really think volleyball is a simple sport, so the simpler you can keep it, the more success you can have."
The Mystics were ranked last in the 12-team Frontier Conference preseason coaches poll and are hoping to make some noise in a competitive conference.
Their first Frontier Conference matchup will be Sept. 3 in Dickinson, N.D., against Dickinson State University.
The first home matchup at the BSC Armory will take place on Sept. 5 as the Mystics welcome the second-ranked team in the nation, Bellevue University (Neb.).
Click here to see the full schedule.
Follow the team this season on the
Mystic App and on BSCMystics.com.
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