Gophers Volleyball To Play Free Scrimmage Sat. At Lakeville North HS

LAKEVILLE, MN —Volleyball fans have a chance to see the powerhouse University of Minnesota women's team in action this weekend without having to travel to Minneapolis.

At 2 pm. Saturday, the Gophers — who reached the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight this past season — will host North Dakota State in a scrimmage at Lakeville North High School. The 4-set match is free to the public.

Prior to the scrimmage, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Gophers will hold a practice, which also is open to spectators.

A University of Minnesota spokesman said the Gophers are playing a few exhibition games outside of Minneapolis in order to give people around the state a chance to see them play in other locations.

"The Lakeville North volleyball program is thrilled to welcome Gopher volleyball and Bison volleyball to Lakeville North High School on Saturday," said Lakeville North girls volleyball coach Jackie Richter. "What a unique and rare opportunity for fans to receive an up-close and intimate spectating experience of such high-level volleyball with such talented athletes."

Richter said the event came about after University of Minnesota associate head coach Matt Houk and assistant Jennifer Houk conducted a volleyball camp at Lakeville North last summer. Later, Matt Houk reached out to school officials to find out if they were interested in hosting the scrimmage.

The Gophers went 22-9 overall, 14-5 in the Big Ten last season and finished the season ranked No. 7 in the AVCA rankings. It was the team's seventh straight season finishing in the top 10.

Five starters are scheduled to return from the team, including libero CC McGraw, an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention in 2019 and 2021, and outside hitter Taylor Landfair, who was an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention during the spring 2021 season.

Outside hitter Jenna Wenas, who was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection last season, also returns.

Plus, the Gophers have added freshman-to-be Mckenna Wucherer, who has enrolled early in school. A native of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Wucherer was rated as the No. 1 recruit in the nation by prepdig.com.