FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team is heading to the state of Washington to open up their GNAC schedule. Starting on Thursday, Sept. 19, the 'Nooks will play in Lacey, Wash. against Saint Martin's University and then head up to Seattle to face the Falcons of Seattle Pacific on Saturday, Sept. 21. 
 

Opponents	Saint Martin's University | Seattle Pacific University
Locations	Marcus Pavilion – Lacey, WA | Royal Brougham Pavilion – Seattle, WA
Dates & Times	Thursday, Sept. 19 vs. Saint Martin's at 6:00 p.m. AKT  Saturday, Sept. 21 vs. Seattle Pacific at 1:00 p.m. AKT
Follow Along	SMU Live Stream/Stats| SPU Live Stream/Stats
Social Media	Twitter | Facebook

 
GNAC Openers
The Alaska Nanooks open their GNAC schedule this week. They will look to begin this season differently from the beginning of the 2018 season after opening 1-5 before winning seven straight conference games. Both SMU and SPU competed in different pods of the D2 West Region VB Showcase in California last weekend. SMU went 0-4 and finds themselves 0-9 on the season while SPU managed a 2-2 split in their pod and find themselves 3-5 entering conference play. 
 
Where to Watch & Listen
If fans aren't able to make this week's games in Lacey and Seattle, each of the Nanooks' games will be broadcast through the Alaska Nanooks and opposing schools Stretch Internet Portal which can be found in the "Live Stream" links above. 
 
All-Time Series
The Alaska Nanooks are 14-6 all-time against Saint Martin's University having won the first matchup in 2009, 3-0. The 'Nooks have won the previous two meetings, not dropping a set in either 2018 meeting.
 
Seattle Pacific holds the edge in this all-time series, winning 20 of the 29 meetings. SPU won the first meeting in 2006, 3-0, but Alaska has won the last 3 matches stretching back to 2017.
 
Coaches Corner
"Saint Martin's had a tough preseason schedule and even with a completely new starting lineup they have been competitive. Their new libero has made a big impact for them defensively, we'll need to play at our best in Lacey. As for Seattle Pacific they have several new players that seem to be making an impact. Their preseason was tough as well and they've shown improvements over the preseason. Royal Brougham Pavilion is a tough place to play and in my time at UAF we've had several 5-set battles. I anticipate this weekend be no different and they'll be prepared to make it a very competitive match."
 
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, follow @NanooksVB on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Volleyball team page on Facebook.