DODGE CITY, Kan. - Coming off a 21-16 season in 2016, the Conquistador volleyball team begins its 2017 campaign on Tuesday, August 22, as they travel to Iola, Kan., to take on Allen County Community College at 6:30 p.m.

The Conqs will return eight players from a year ago including Madison Orr, Alex Stecklein, Sabrina Lowe, Jaylen Pagues, Raquel Valdez, Jedda Alcee, Mickey Kriegh and Stephanie Garcia. The Conqs also bring in six freshman to round out the team in 2017.

Head coach Kamri Nehls begins her first year as head coach after serving as the team's interim head coach in 2016, collecting the most wins in a season since 2010 with 21.

"I am very excited to get this season going," Nehls said. "I have high expectations for this group of girls. They are talented and have worked extremely hard during the preseason. I know the sophomores and myself are eager to pick up where we left off last season and we have several freshmen who have really stepped up and showed leadership with this team. We played several preseason games and one of those was actually against Allen, so I think this will be a good opener for us. Hopefully we can start this season off with a win."

Following the match at Allen County Community College, the Conqs will travel to Lamar, Colo., to play four games in the Little Caesar Invitational beginning on Friday at 10 a.m.

Dodge City will stay on the road for a total of 12 games before their home opener on Monday, Sept. 11, against Pratt Community College at 6:30 p.m.