RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines Hardrocker volleyball team hosted Augustana University (S.D.) for a mid-week non-conference match this past Tuesday. Augustana, currently No. 6 in the nation, beat the Hardrockers in straight sets and improved to 16-1 on the season while SD Mines fell to 1-16.
 
Chadron State (Neb.) is next up for the Lady Rockers, who will play host to a pair of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference bouts this weekend. Chadron State comes to Rapid City Friday, and will also be looking to turn their fortunes. The Eagles are 3-12 this season but did pick up a win in one of their last two matchups.
 
"Chadron State has some pretty athletic kids," said 'Rocker volleyball head coach Doug Tabbert. "We know they have struggled, but they have returned a lot of players from last year."
 
Chadron State is ranked 12^th in the conference standings with two RMAC victories under their belts. The biggest threat the Eagles pose is their blocking ability at the net backed by the play of CSC sophomore Kenzie Chrisman who is ranked fifth in the conference with 49 solo blocks and 43 assisted blocks.
 
Regis University (Colo.) comes to the King Center Saturday for a 3 p.m. matchup. The Rangers have a record of 8-7 but enter this weekend after picking up three straight conference wins. They have yet to earn a victory on the road this season, and the Lady 'Rockers will look to capitalize on their home court atmosphere.
 
"They've got a kid who is probably the second best player in the conference," said Coach Tabbert, who acknowledged the quality of his upcoming opponent. "They were picked to be one of the best teams in the RMAC this year."
 
Regis senior Katie Klein is sixth in the RMAC for kills, collecting 56 this season and averaging just over a three a game. The Rangers are ranked seventh in the RMAC standings with four conference wins.
 
Both Friday's and Saturday's matches can be viewed on line at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sdsmt/ streaming in HD along with livestats of all the action.