The Cyclones officially started their season at the OWT NJCAA Opening Weekend Tournament, Aug. 18-19, going 1-3 overall.

Even though the Cyclones were missing a starter due to injury, they played well against some tough and unfamiliar teams. Moraine Valley started their run against No. 6 nationally ranked Grand Rapids Community College. They held in there for each set, but lost 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25). In their college debut, Kailey Burns led the offense with 11 kills while Mary Zielinski led the defense with 16 digs in addition to 10 kills. Ava Pequette contributed 24 assists and 15 digs.

In their second match of the day, the Cyclones were able to quickly grab a 3-0 victory from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (25-11, 25-14, 25-17). Zielinski led this time with 13 kills while Lily Avelar had 10 digs and three aces. Burns added eight kills and two blocks while Pequette totaled 27 assists and nine digs.

The tournament continued on Aug. 19 when the Cyclones faced another nationally ranked team, this time No. 3 Parkland College. Even though Moraine Valley lost 3-0 (19-25, 19-25, 21-25), they kept the sets close. Brooklyn Condon and Sophia Davidson led the defense with 12 digs each. Zielinski added 17 kills, Burns contributed nine kills and Pequette amassed 33 assists along with eight digs.

To end the tournament, the Cyclones battled with Lincoln Land Community College, losing the effort 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 23-25, 12-15). Pequette had a big match with 40 assists. Avelar dug up 25 while Condon and Gianna DiMundo each had 14 digs.