EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team visits Saint Joseph's College and No. 20 University of Indianapolis this weekend. The Screaming Eagles play Saint Joseph's Friday at 7 p.m. in Rensselaer, Indiana, and Indianapolis Saturday at 2 p.m. (CDT).

After suffering a non-conference loss at the University of North Alabama last Sunday, USI (9-6, 4-2 GLVC) looks to bounce back and solidify themselves atop the GLVC. USI is currently tied with four other teams for fourth place in the GLVC standings.  

Saint Joseph's (8-8, 3-3 GLVC) enters the match coming off three straight conference victories and has won five of its last six games. Although the Pumas' three victories have come against teams with sub-par records, USI Head Coach Leah Mercer understands winning on the road is difficult in the GLVC.

 USI is currently 15-8 all time against Saint Joseph's after the Pumas defeated the Eagles last season in a five-set match at the Physical Activities Center.

The highly anticipated matchup for the weekend is against Indianapolis (11-6, 4-2 GLVC), who poses quite a threat to the Eagles with the diversity of its offense and the number of attackers they use. The Greyhounds won four of their last five matches, including a four-set win over GLVC co-leader University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Coach Mercer knows that junior middle blocker Danielle LaGrange creates a dilemma for the Indianapolis defense and her right-side and outside hitter's must capitalize on the opportunities when they only commit one blocker. “If we stick to our game plan and take advantage of our matchup's, that will put us in position to win the match,” Mercer said.

LaGrange had a career-high 27 kills last season against Indianapolis in the conference tournament and currently leads USI in kills with 3.47 per set.

The all time series between USI and Indianapolis since 1989 is knotted at 15-15, with the Eagles losing twice last season, 3-0 at the PAC and 3-1 in the conference tournament. 

The Eagles return home to host Oakland City University Tuesday in the PAC at 7 p.m.