EVANSVILLE, Ind.---It has been 10 years since the University of Southern Indiana volleyball team has had the home-court advantage in a season opener and it is more than ready for the opportunity.
 
The Screaming Eagles open up the 2014 season in the friendly confines of the Physical Activities Center when they play host to the 2014 Dunn Hospitality Invitational Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. Nine teams will join USI for the two-day, two-court tournament. 
 
USI is scheduled to face four teams who will all open up their respective seasons at the PAC. The Eagles meet with University of North Alabama Friday at 11:30 a.m. before facing Midwest Region opponent Hillsdale College at 7 p.m. The following day, the Screaming Eagles open up play against regional opponent Ohio Dominican University, another regional team, at 11:30 a.m., and will close out with University of West Florida at 7 p.m.
 
This year's Eagles squad features eight returning players, which includes outside hitters Fawn Ryan (Batesville, Indiana) and Lauren DeShaney (Appleton, Wisconsin), along with junior middle blocker Abbey Winter (Germantown, Illinois).
 
USI is under direction of 10^th-year Head Coach Leah Mercer, who was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2013.
 
University of North Alabama returns three starters and its libero from last year's group that went 8-25, but advanced to the semi-finals of the Gulf South Conference tournament.
 
Fellow GSC member and six-time defending conference champion, University of West Florida, comes off a 28-8 year, which included a trip to the NCAA Division II South Regional tournament, and returns three starters, two liberos, along with 10 letter winners.
 
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference members Hillsdale College and Ohio Dominican return 13 and nine players, respectively. The Chargers finished at 15-15 overall, while the Panthers at 14-16.
 
Tracking the tournament: Live statistics will be available for all Dunn Hospitality Invitational matches. A link is provided on the tournament schedule page on gousieagles.com.
 
Ticket information: Single-day passes are available for the Dunn Hospitality Invitational starting at $8 for adults (ages 18 and over) and $5 for non-USI students (ages 6-17). USI students, faculty, and staff with valid ID are admitted free, along with children under the age of five. For more information visit the volleyball tickets page on gousieagles.com.