EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team opens the 2012 campaign Friday at 4 p.m. (CDT) when it takes on No. 7 Washburn University at The Hyatt Place Sunshine Classic in West Palm Beach, Florida.
USI, which is looking to advance to the NCAA II Midwest Region Tournament for the third consecutive year, plays four matches at The Hyatt Place Sunshine Classic, including a regional bout with Saginaw Valley State University Friday at 6 p.m.
The Screaming Eagles conclude their opening weekend Saturday with a match against host Palm Beach Atlantic University at 9 a.m. and a contest against Barry University at 11 a.m.
Both of USI's opponents on Friday were in the NCAA II Tournament a year ago and are regional contests for the Eagles. Washburn finished 2011 with a 32-3 overall mark, while Saginaw Valley State was 18-11 a year ago. USI defeated Saginaw Valley State in four sets at the GLVC/GLIAC Crossover last season.
Palm Beach Atlantic, which is an independent NCAA II member, posted a 30-5 record competing in the NCCAA a year ago.
Sophomore outside hitter
Lauren DeShaney leads a talented USI squad that returns four starters and its libero. DeShaney averaged 2.82 kills and 3.34 points per set a year ago as the Eagles finished the year with a 20-11 overall record and a 14-4 mark in GLVC play.
Junior setter
Jorae Bradbury racked up more than 1,000 assists in 2011, while junior libero
Kayla Heldman tallied more than 400 digs.
The Eagles, who were picked to finish third in the GLVC East Division, play four matches at the “Middle of Everywhere” Classic September 7-8 in Rolla, Missouri, before opening their home schedule September 11 against Cedarville University.
