Minnesota volleyball was the first, but one of several Gophers athletics teams affected by Tuesday’s tragedy.

The third annual “Border Battle” between No. 17 Minnesota and No. 24 Northern Iowa was postponed Wednesday.

No make-up date has been determined.

“In deference to the events, I believe it is appropriate to postpone the games,” Gophers coach Mike Hebert said.

Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan all canceled matches after the Big Ten left the decision in the hands of individual schools.

“We believe it is fitting for us to refrain from athletics competition today,” Minnesota women’s athletics director Chris Voelz said.

The Gophers will host this weekend’s Diet Coke Classic at the Sports Pavilion, but have changed the dates and times of the matches.

Santa Clara and Mississippi decided not to compete in the tournament. Oral Roberts will make the trip to Minneapolis, reducing the field to only a pair of teams.

Minnesota will play the Eagles on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at noon.

Hebert is looking forward to returning to competition.

“At some point you have to get back to a regular schedule,” Hebert said. “I think this weekend would be a good time to do that.”

Weekend activities modified

Women’s athletics will resume all activities this weekend under a modified schedule.

“We have decided to observe the national day of mourning on Friday, yet host our events on Saturday and Sunday,” Voelz said in a statement Wednesday.

The University will host several women’s athletics events, including the cross country Memorial Oz Run, the Minnesota Invitational golf tournament, one soccer match, and the Diet Coke Classic.

The Gophers soccer match Friday against Iowa State has been rescheduled for Oct. 31, while Sunday’s match against Detroit-Mercy will be played at 1 p.m.

The Memorial Oz Run was moved from Friday to Saturday, and the Minnesota Invitational will be played as scheduled – 36 holes on Saturday followed by 18 on Sunday.

Eastern Washington, Idaho, James Madison and Washington State will not attend the golf tournament.

“We have spoken with all 20 teams with whom we were scheduled to host in competition,” Voelz said. “We will respect each institution’s decision in terms of travel and competition and will work with the schools in attendance to reformat the competition schedule as needed.”

Brian Hall covers volleyball and welcomes comments at [email protected]