ARCATA — Opening the season in Arcata is a rare opportunity for the Humboldt State volleyball program, but this year's Lumberjacks will enjoy sleeping in their own beds and playing on their home court when they host the Humboldt State Tournament, set for Thursday through Saturday. Twelve matches featuring six teams will be played in two venues -– Lumberjack Arena and the East Gym.

The event begins Thursday evening when Humboldt State faces Central Washington at 7 p.m. Friday's scheduled action begins at 9 a.m. in the Arena. The Lumberjacks play the feature game against Saint Martin's University at 7 p.m. Saturday's slate includes two HSU matches – the first at 10 a.m. against Academy of Art, and the second at 4 p.m. vs. Notre Dame de Namur. Along with the aforementioned schools, California Collegiate Athletic Association sister school Cal State East Bay will participate.

Head-to-Head
Against its four tournament opponents the Jacks are a combined 29-27 over the history of competition. The total includes two one-sided records, Central Washington's 16-3 effort against the Jacks, and Humboldt State's 17-1 mark versus Notre Dame de Namur. HSU trails Saint Martin's, 8-10, and split two matches against Academy of Art University.

Multimedia
Video streaming will again be featured through the Lumberjacks' web site at the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/humboldt-state-athletics. Live statistics for all HSU home matches can be accessed at http://livestats.internetconsult.com/humboldt/wvball/ while the event is in progress. This weekend's tournament will feature live stats for HSU and other matches played in Lumberjack Arena.

Head Coach Sue Woodstra
An Olympic silver-medalist as both an athlete and a coach, Sue Woodstra begins her ninth season guiding the Lumberjacks. … Woodstra took a year and a half leave of absence from the Lumberjack program for the 2007 and beginning of the 2008 seasons. In June 2007, at the helm of the USA National Team, she coached the indoor women's volleyball team to a bronze medal at the Pan American Games. She continued serving Team USA as first assistant coach during its run to the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. …Woodstra served as captain as a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team that earned a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.…Woodstra is the 10th head coach in the history of the volleyball program at Humboldt State.

Lumberjack Notes
Woodstra's balanced, and hopefully more potent offensive approach with this year's team, is geared toward taking a more aggressive command of each game. Doing so may take the burden off the Jacks' defensive efforts, which have been a strength for several seasons. The Jacks finished in the middle of the CCAA pack in blocking and digs last year, but were last in hitting percentage and kills. …Last week the Jacks elected senior Oceana Matsubu and junior Allison Drobish as 2011 captains. …HSU struggled out of the gate in 2010, losing four matches at the Western Oregon Tournament to start the season. Nine newcomers were experiencing their first intercollegiate action on that occasion, while nine returners open the fall for Humboldt State. "We struggled with the newness last year, but this year is much different," Woodstra said. "The players have a better idea of what they're getting into, and we're meshing much differently." …Woodstra noticed a marked improvement of pace during recent practices. Players are still competing for positions, which has elevated play. "We picked up the intensity last week," Woodstra said. "I think they're starting to feel that sense of urgency, that the season is upon us." …Humboldt State has never opened at home during Woodstra's tenure as head coach, though the program has hosted one early-season tournament. The last time the Jacks began a season on their own court was 1997.

Injury Report
Alex Rosendale experienced an ankle injury just over a week ago, but has made progress and is expected to be ready for the season-opener. Most of the Jacks have remained healthy throughout fall workouts. "The players came in prepared for practice, and that's helped us keep them healthy," Woodstra said.

Opponents' Notes
Central Washington, from the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, posted a 13-10 overall record last year, but has lost graduated Kady Try, the 2010 GNAC leader in kills (4.14). The Wildcats do return nine letter winners , inlcluding setter Carlee Marble, who finished third in the conference in assists averaging 9.48.…Saint Martin's struggled to a 2-22 record last year, and returns eight letter winners from that squad. …Among the returnees is 6-1 middle blocker Katy Ferguson  who ranked second in kills (1.87) and was the team leader in blocks with 73.…Academy of Art is picked to finish seventh in the preseason coaches' poll, and returning senior middle blocker Amy Bush was selected to the preseason all-league team.…Last year the Urban Knights placed fifth in the PacWest and achieved a 15-12 overall record. …Placing right behind AAU in the PacWest standings last year were the Notre Dame de Namur Argonauts, who posted a 8-15 record over the course of the season. …NDNU was tabbed to place eighth in the preseason coaches poll. …Notre Dame de Namur's leading returner is senior outside hitter Christina Villamayor, who has been selected to the PacWest preseason all-league squad. 

Woodstra's Words
“Central Washington is always a strong program in the GNAC. (Coach) Mario (Andava) is always consistent with his approach. He runs a quick offense that is tough to stay with." …"Saint Martin's can play scrappy and get after the ball. We must stay organized if we hope to be successful against them." …"Academy of Art and Notre Dame de Namur are two teams that are a little unknown to us. Academy of Art has a new head coach, and I know NDNU has a match against CSU Monterey Bay before they come up here. Other than that, we'll have to wait for a chance to see them here before we evaluate." …"We have players who have seen a lot of time on the court before, and we also have some players who aren't used to starting that we'll put out there. Once they settle their knees from shaking, they'll be fine."