WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: The Thunderbirds will take their final road trip of the month of October this weekend when they travel to face South Dakota State and league-leading North Dakota State on Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. (MT).

"We are expecting both games to be a great battle," head coach Debby Baker said of the games. "North Dakota State hasn't lost a match in conference this season and has played really tough. It will be a great game to see what kind of heart our girls have and how they come out and play."

Southern Utah will enter the games following back-to-back losses last week and will be looking to break out of the losing funk. The Thunderbirds were shorthanded last week with injuries and illness and will also be hoping for a healthier squad for the weekend.

Analaine Pelaez leads the team in several categories, including total attempts (1,081), kills (353) and kills per set (4.20) and is second on the team with 21 service aces. Courtney Lelepali is tops on the team in aces with 23 and also leads the team with 318 digs this season.

Leading blocker Cashaana Renfro is expected to be back in the line-up this weekend as the Fairbanks, Alaska, native was nursing a sprained ankle last week. Renfro leads the team with 55 blocks this season.

Southern Utah lost both matches to South Dakota State and North Dakota State at home earlier this season.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: The Thunderbirds will host their final two regular-season games of the season at home this week when the T-Birds face the Centenary Ladies and Oral Roberts Golden Eagles on the Thunderbird soccer pitch.

"These are our last two regular season games," head coach Brian Stock said. "The team has given a lot of blood, sweat and tears this year and we expect to finish strong."

Southern Utah will enter the games riding a five-game losing streak and will look to right the ship during the final two contests. The T-Birds will also be looking to break a scoring a drought, having not recorded a goal over the last five games.

Sophomore Riley Bassett is leading the team in several statistical categories, including shots (54), points (8), assists (4) and shots on goal (28). Bassett is second on the team in goals with two on the season, trailing team-leaders Makell Southworth and Erin Marble, who have each recorded three goals.