The WSU volleyball team will compete in their first competition at home in 2011 by hosting the Nike Cougar Challenge this weekend. Also competing at the tournament will be Sam Houston State, San Francisco and Manhattan College.

WSU will play three matches during the course of the two-day tournament, Manhattan College and San Francisco on Friday at noon and 7 p.m. respectively and Sam Houston State on Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Cougs (5-2) are returning from the Portland Nike Invitational last weekend where they finished second overall after losing to tournament champions Texas A&M.

“It’ll definitely be nice to be back in Bohler Gym,” WSU Head Coach Jen Greeny said. “First time for many of these players in Bohler Gym and hopefully we have a good crowd going into this weekend.”

WSU is currently sitting at ninth in the Pac-12.

One strong point for the Cougars this season has been their serving, with WSU sitting at second in the Pac-12 for service aces per set, at 1.95.

“We’re just really focusing on getting ourselves better and not really looking too far ahead,” Greeny said. “I think everyday in practice and every match that’s what we’ve been doing. It’s just, with such a young, inexperienced team, it’ll take some time.”

Not only is the tournament the first home action for many of the players, but it is also the first home competition in Bohler for coach Greeny since her playing days at WSU from 1995-98.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Greeny said. “It’s really nice that I’m already familiar with Bohler and what the crowds can be like here. I’m really excited to have a lot of the alumni coming back for this weekend, as well, so that’ll be really fun. We just can’t wait to play here.”

All 14 of the Cougars' 2011 home matches will be broadcast live on Cougar All-Access at wsucougars.com.