EVANSVILLE, Ind.—After three weeks of preseason practice, the University of Southern Indiana volleyball team opens its 2011 campaign Friday at 8 a.m. (CDT) when it takes on California University of Pennsylvania at the Ferris State University Invitational in Big Rapids, Michigan.

The Screaming Eagles also take on Midwest Region foe Lake Superior State University Friday at 2 p.m. They finish the opening weekend Saturday against Upper Iowa University (8 a.m.) and Midwest Region opponent Ferris State (11 a.m.). Game coverage, including live stats for all matches and video for the Ferris State match, can be accessed at gousieagles.com.

USI begins the season in search of its second straight NCAA II Tournament appearance after posting an 18-12 record and a 10-4 mark in Great Lakes Valley Conference play last year.

Seventh-year Head Coach Leah Mercer '02, who enters the season just 11 wins shy of becoming the all-time winningest coach in the program's history, is relying on a roster that includes two seniors, three juniors, four sophomores, and four freshman to challenge for a conference title and get back to the national tournament in 2011.

Senior middle blocker Danielle LaGrange headlines the list of returning players after earning first-team All-Midwest Region honors and All-GLVC accolades a year ago. LaGrange, who was second in the GLVC in kills (3.53) and points (4.11) per set last season, compiled a team-high .333 attacking percentage and 0.71 blocks per set in 2010.

Setter Jorae Bradbury averaged just over 10 assists per set in her first year of collegiate volleyball and is looking to improve on that number as she enters her sophomore campaign. Her efforts in 2010 helped USI record a .282 attacking percentage in GLVC play, the highest mark by any team in conference-only matches.

This weekend's slate acts as the Eagles' only tune-up prior to their conference opener at Lewis University on September 9. USI opens its home schedule September 16 against Bellarmine University.