EVANSVILLE, Ind. - University of Southern Indiana Volleyball opens its season on Friday and Saturday as it hosts the USI Invitational at the Physical Activities Center (PAC). USI had won five straight season-openers before last season's five-set loss to the University of North Alabama.

The weekend features the Screaming Eagles squaring off with Ohio Dominican University and Kentucky State University tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, followed by Minnesota State University-Mankato and Edinboro University on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.

Head Coach Leah Mercer has emphasized a competitive spirit in preseason training for the 2018 campaign.

"We were getting a little comfortable with what we were doing in the past," Mercer said in a conversation Tuesday. "I've probably been more colorful than I've been in the last couple years ... and I'm really pleased with how the girls have jumped on board."

While some players can be seen playing a similar role from last season, most notably sophomore setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri), many players will see their roles change.

"Haley Limper (Springfield, Illinois) has been a defensive specialist for us for her career and she's stepping into the libero position as senior," Mercer said. "She's a natural leader on and off the court so the libero jersey fits her very well."

Mercer went on to acknowledge senior Erika Peoples (Bloomington, Illinois) and her versatility as the staff experimented with different schemes tested in the preseason, and pointed out moving junior Elexis Coleman (Joliet, Illinois) from the middle to the right side this season. Mercer is confident in USI's newcomers to fill the gap in the middle left by Coleman's transition.

"I'm really impressed with our two freshman middles (Sidney Hegg and Taylor Litteken)." Mercer added that having Hegg in the spring boosted her confidence coming into this season.

USI was projected to finish 10th in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this season by the GLVC preseason coaches' poll released on August 16. Mercer believes the Eagles' tough schedule will benefit the team going forward as regional rankings come out.

"We get to play five really tough teams twice," Mercer said.

The staff looked over the 2018 schedule and stressed to the team that getting to the GLVC Tournament is the priority.

"Taking care of our conference matches will help as we come to regional ranking time."

About USI's opponents:
 

• Ohio Dominican; Friday, 2 p.m: The Panthers were picked to finish sixth in the West division of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference this season… the two teams last faced each other in 2014, with the Eagles taking the match in three sets.
• Kentucky State; Friday 7 p.m.: The Thorobreds enter 2018 as the reigning Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament champion… earned 2018 NCAA national championship berth… the Eagles and Thorobreds last met in 2012, where USI claimed victory, also in three sets.
• Minnesota State-Mankato; Saturday, 2 p.m.: The Mavericks finished with a 15-13 overall record last season, tenth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference… the NSIC is home of the reigning national champion, Concordia-St. Paul (MN) and two other NCAA qualifiers.
• Edinboro; Saturday, 7 p.m.: The Scots qualified for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament last season, advanced to the second round… predicted to finish second in the Northwest division of the PSAC in 2018… ended 2017 with a 22-10 record.

Below is the entire USI Invitational schedule.

Friday
 

• Ohio Dominican vs. Edinboro, 9 a.m.
• Minnesota State-Mankato vs. Kentucky State, 11:30 a.m.
• USI vs. Ohio Dominican, 2 p.m.
• Edinboro vs. Minnesota State-Mankato, 4:30 p.m.
• USI vs. Kentucky State, 7 p.m.

Saturday
 

• Minnesota State-Mankato vs. Ohio Dominican, 9 a.m.
• Edinboro vs. Kentucky State, 11:30 a.m.
• USI vs. Minnesota State-Mankato, 2 p.m.
• Kentucky State vs. Ohio Dominican, 4:30 p.m.
• USI vs. Edinboro, 7 p.m.