The Siuslaw Vikings volleyball team will launch its 2017 season by hosting a 3-school jamboree featuring Philomath and Junction City on Thursday, Aug. 31.

The Vikings, the defending Far West League champions, will open league play Thursday, Sept. 14, at Marshfield.

Siuslaw's tentative schedule also includes four Saturday tournaments, Sept. 9 at Canby, Sept. 23 at Sisters, Sept. 30 at Junction City and Oct. 14 at Marshfield.

Still not on the schedule is the second South Umpqua match, which likely would be senior recognition night for the Vikings.

Siuslaw is coached by Jon Hornung, who in his first season led the Vikings to the state playoffs.

The Vikings were 8-2 in league, sharing the league title with Douglas, and 13-8 overall, finishing ranked No. 15 in state.

Siuslaw loses four seniors, all key contributors — Brittany Long, Elyssa Rose, Claire Waggoner and Abby Watkins.

The Vikings return a strong core of players led by junior-to-be Makenzie York, a 6-foot middle blocker who was co-most valuable player in league last season.

Other top returnees are expected to be libero Maci Wells, setter-defensive specialist Sami Scheer and outside hitters Emma Collins, Mia Collins and McKenzie Colton.

2017 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

• Thursday, Aug. 31 — vs. Philomath, time TBD
• Thursday, Aug. 31 — vs. Junction City, 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Elmira, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Pleasant Hill, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 9 — at Canby Tournament
• Thursday, Sept. 14 — at Marshfield (Far West League opener), 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 19 — vs. Brookings-Harbor, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 21 — vs. Douglas, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 23 — at Sisters Invitational
• Tuesday, Sept. 26 — vs. North Bend, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 28 — at South Umpqua, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 30 — at Junction City Tournament
• Tuesday, Oct. 3 — vs. Marshfield, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 5 — at Brookings-Harbor, 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 10 — at Douglas, 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 12 — at North Bend, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 14 — at Marshfield Tournament