PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University volleyball team will open its 2023 season Sept. 1-2 at the Colorado School of Mines Invitational at Golden, Colo.
 
The school released its 2023 schedule today (Apr. 20) with the two-day tournament serving as the season debut for the Gorillas.
 
Pitt State returns home to host the annual Gorilla Classic Sept. 8-9 at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. The Gorillas will host matches against Drury, Northwestern Oklahoma, Southwest Minnesota State and Arkansas Fort Smith.
 
The Gorillas will feature 11 additional home dates, starting with the MIAA opener against Newman on Sept. 12. In addition to 10 MIAA match-ups, Pitt State also will entertain William Jewell in a non-conference match on Oct. 31.
 
The Gorillas posted a 17-14 overall record (10-11 MIAA) during the 2022 season, advancing to the semifinals of the MIAA Postseason Tournament. Pitt State returns six players who started 10 or more matches last year:  junior MH Phoenix Bailey, junior MH Kate Bandre, senior MB Carly Clennan, junior OH/RS Seville Gates, junior OH/RS Jayden Sanford and senior S/RS Janae Thurston.