FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball will entertain Central Missouri and Missouri Southern this weekend as the Lions prepare for their MIAA and home opener at the Stubblefield Center.

UAFS and Central Missouri will take to the court at 6 p.m. Friday for Hispanic Heritage Night while the Lions and Missouri Southern will square off at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Lions' annual Teal Match for ovarian cancer awareness.

Both matches will be streamed on the MIAA Network and broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5 FM. Live stats will be available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: The Lions posted another 4-0 week at the Warhawk Invitational, defeating Middle Georgia State, Auburn Montgomery and Albany State twice.

MOP: Outside hitter Lydia Pitts was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after hitting .341 with 61 kills, 11 aces, 36 digs and six blocks. She matched her career high with 21 kills and hit .513 in a sweep over Albany State.

STREAKING: The Lions have won 10 matches in a row, the most since a 13-match win streak in 2019.

HOME OPENER: UAFS is 13-3 in home openers in the NCAA II era. It will be the second straight season the Lions open their home slate against Central Missouri.

DIG IT: UAFS is second in the MIAA in opponent hitting percentage at .126. The Lions are third with 17.63 digs per set.

LEAGUE LEADERS: Pitts ranks second in the MIAA with 3.71 kills per set while setter Mayli Whetter is fourth in assists at 9.10 per set and second in aces per set (0.46).

SCOUTING UCM: The Jennies are 7-5 and ranked No. 25 in this week's AVCA Top 25. The Jennies average 2.10 blocks per set led by middle blocker Kaelyn McDonald with a .326 attack percentage and 1.02 blocks per set.

SCOUTING MSSU: The Lions are 5-6 on the year and have played just one true road match. They allow 1.86 aces per set and are led offensively by outside hitter Addysen Alvis with 3.52 kills per set.

THE SERIES: UAFS is 1-5 all-time against Central Missouri and 7-2 versus Missouri Southern.