The Siuslaw Vikings volleyball team will launch its 2017 season by playing its first six matches on the road.

In fact, the defending Far West League champions don't play at home until their league opener Tuesday, Sept. 12, against Marshfield.

Siuslaw's tentative schedule begins with a three-school jamboree Thursday, Aug. 31, at Junction City, with matches against Philomath and the host Tigers.

The Vikings schedule also includes four Saturday tournaments, Sept. 9 at Canby, Sept. 23 at Sisters, Sept. 30 at Junction City and Oct. 14 at Marshfield.

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 and Mia Collins.

VOLLEYBALL

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