TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (October 11, 2019) - The No. 8 Salt Lake Community College volleyball team has had a strong start to the always-competitive Scenic West Athletic Conference season, starting off with a mark of 3-1.

In that time, the Bruins have defeated one nationally-ranked opponent (USU Eastern), fallen to another nationally-ranked opponent (Snow), and downed two up-and-coming programs in the league (Colorado Northwestern and Southern Nevada). The last opponent on the first run through Scenic West play is one that Salt Lake knows very well - regional rival Southern Idaho. The two programs have long battled for supremacy in Region 18 and both will have the opportunity to stay in the conference title race in a matchup in Twin Falls this Saturday.

With Salt Lake dealing with several injuries throughout their lineup, Bruins coach Sue Dulaney said the adaptability of her players has been a benefit this season.

"We had a few injuries that impacted our matches over the weekend," she said, referring to the 1-1 split of last weekend's action. "I am grateful that we have a flexible and adaptable team. I am hoping that as we head into the second half of conference play, we have all options available. We have not had everyone at the same moment playing their best but we understand it is a process to get there."

Southern Idaho is another Scenic West program that understands adversity. The Golden Eagles were ranked high in the NJCAA preseason rankings but currently sit at 11-10 overall and just 2-2 in the Scenic West. So far, CSI has defeated Colorado Northwestern and Southern Nevada but has been swept in both matches against Snow and USU Eastern.

Dulaney said she is hopeful her team can be positioned to play well against a middling-but-threatening Southern Idaho program.

"This team has the pieces; it is just a matter of those puzzle pieces falling into the right place at the right time," she said.

Salt Lake's match with Southern Idaho is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. in Twin Falls on Saturday. The Bruins will return home on Oct. 24 for a match against the College of Southern Nevada.