EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team has endured two weeks of two-a-day practices and is finally set to open its 2009 schedule when it takes on the University of Minnesota-Crookston Friday at 1 p.m. (CDT) in Big Rapids, Michigan.

USI, which is looking to build off a strong finish to the 2008 season, plays four matches this weekend, including a pair of regional contests with Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic foes Northwood University (Friday at 4 p.m.) and Saginaw Valley State University (Saturday at 1:30 p.m.). The Screaming Eagles also square off with West Virginia State University Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

The Eagles, who were picked to finish sixth in the GLVC in the coaches' preseason poll, return six starters from last season's squad. Junior outside hitter Brittani Oliver is one of USI's top returners after earning third-team All-GLVC honors a year ago. Oliver averaged 2.83 kills and 2.87 digs per set a year ago.

Following USI's season-opening weekend, the Eagles travel to Findlay, Ohio, to compete in the TownePlace Suites Classic.