ST. PAUL, Minn. - The #1 Golden Bear volleyball team (25-0, 14-0 NSIC) returns to the Gangelhoff Center this weekend to host Augustana College (11-14, 6-7 NSIC) and #15 Wayne State (23-4, 11-2 NSIC).  Friday night's 7:00 pm match against the Vikings will also be Dig for the Cure night to benefit breast cancer research.  The Golden Bears wrap up the week's play with a 5:00 pm meeting with the Wildcats.  WATCH LIVE  -  LISTEN LIVE  -  LIVE STATS  -  COMPLETE RELEASE

The Vikings of Augustana College have fallen to 7th place in the NSIC, having been unable to pull out a win against the league's top opponents.  The squad has the talent to challenge any opponent on a given night, however, and cannot be overlooked.  Ball control seems to be the biggest problem for the Vikings this season, affecting their ability to get the offense rolling.  Concordia took a 3-0 win in a non-conference match played in September, winning 25-21, 25-19, 25-15.

Wayne State is one of the hottest teams in the NSIC at the moment.  After sweeping Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State last weekend, they were elevated to their highest-ever national ranking at #15.  The Wildcats have won 21 of their last 23 matches, with back-to-back losses to Concordia and Minnesota Duluth being their only flaws on record.  Much like the Golden Bears, the Wildcats have both a solid offense and defense.  They are the only NSIC team to hit over the .200 mark against CU this season.  The Golden Bears took a 3-0 win over WSC on Sept. 29, but with tight set scores of 29-27, 25-21, 25-21.

The Golden Bears currently lead the nation with 15.60 kills and 14.77 assists per set.  They top five of the main seven statistical NSIC categories.  The team is led by senior setter Maggie McNamara and junior middle hitter Emily Palkert, this week's NSIC Players of the Week (Setter and Offensive Player, respectively).  They have a variety of offensive players who share the spotlight with kills, giving the team weapons in a number of rotations and positions.  The defense is supported by libero Mary Slinger.