EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (2-7) is finally back in town as they travel to Meeks Family Field House taking on University of Evansville (1-8) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night. The Eagles look to turn the tides as the Purple Aces own a 2-0 all-time series lead winning in 2022 and 2023.

"We love to have the opportunity to compete against our cross town rival not only once but twice this week," says head coach Jeffrey Aucoin. "It is great for our programs and it is great for our community to help to continue to grow our sport in the area. We've been on the road for what seems like forever and we're looking forward to finally showcasing in front of our home crowd!"

Game Coverage
The rivalry match will be broadcasted by UE on the ESPN+ app, available on our schedule or the link above. Ticket links can be found above or purchased at the door. Follow along @USIAthletics socials for in-game updates throughout the match. 
 
USI Headlines
Opening Weekend at Bradley Recap. The Screaming Eagles left the three-game CEFCU Invitational at Bradley University on August 30-31, going 2-1, beating University of St. Thomas 3-1, losing to Depaul University 2-3, and avenging their narrow 2023 loss against Bradley by beating the Braves 3-0.
 
Second Weekend trip to SEC country. USI challenged themselves, taking on Ohio State University who received national votes, #10 University of Florida, and University of South Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The Eagles went 0-3 but built confidence competing against elite competition. USI earned their program's first power conference set victory against the Buckeyes along with coming inches away from forcing a fifth set. The Eagles traded points with the Gators in set one playing in front of 4,308 fans but were eventually swept. On Sunday, USI ran into a buzz saw in South Florida who swept the Eagles along with winning the tournament.
 
Last Weekend's Indiana Invitational. The Eagles dropped three games at another elite invitational at Indiana University. USI kept set two close falling 26-28, but the Hoosiers earned the three-set victory. MAC opponent Ball State University dominated the Eagles on Saturday morning in a sweep. Common USI and University of Evansville opponent Chicago State University outlasted the Eagles in four sets. Senior Carly Sobieralski tallied 34 assists helping the Eagles force a fourth set against a talented Cougar squad, but Chicago State's massive 17-7 run in set four buried the Eagles.
 
Sobieralski Surpasses 2K. Senior setter Sobieralski eclipsed 2,000 career assists this past weekend against Ball State University. She becomes just the ninth Screaming Eagle to reach this achievement. Sobieralski continues to imrpove year by year tallying 114 assists in 2021, 512 in 2022, 1,153 in 2023, and 270 to start the 2024 season. A real model of consistency posting 20+ assists in every game in 2024, averaging 27.4 assists per game.
 
Anderson's Strong Weekend. Junior middle hitter Bianca Anderson earned an All-Tournament Selection after posting 24 kills (2.40 KPS), five blocks, on an efficient .375 hitting percentage. Anderson swatted nine kills on a season best .438 attacking percentage against the Hoosiers.
 
Coleman's Breakout. Outside Hitter Leah Coleman sat behind departed seniors Abby Bednar and Leah Anderson for the majority of 2023. However, the sophomore has been heavily relied upon in 2024, totaling 7.89 kills per game.  Coleman not only produces explosive offensive production, but also brings exuberant energy to the gym every day.
 
Set Trends. The Eagles have struggled out of the gate losing eight out of their nine first sets. USI trails their opponents by 46 total points in nine opening sets. However, the Eagles have bounced back and won four second sets.
 
Competing in Hostile Environments. USI vs. UE brings an electric environment every year. The Eagles tough schedule has presented raucous crowds. The match against University of Florida included 4,308 fans in Gainesville. On Friday, IU packed the stands with a huge student section with 1,767 fans in total.
 
About Evansville. This marks the third meeting between the Eagles in Aces. UE owns the advantage winning in three sets in 2022 and four sets in 2023. USI mounted a comeback in last year's match nearly forcing a fifth set, losing 22-25, 19-25, 25-23, 23-25. Sobieralski tallied 39 assists in last year's match at the Meeks Family Field House. The Aces have struggled in 2024, going 1-8 against some tough opponents. UE faced a common opponent in Chicago State, losing in four sets to the Cougars just like the Eagles. The Aces also matched up against OVC foe, Morehead State University in a losing effort, 0-3. The Aces return 12 players from the 2023 team, including reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Giulia Cardona. Cardona currently leads the Aces offensively by a landslide, with 152 kills (4.61 KPS) and a team-leading 97 digs. UE also relies on sophomore setter Lexi Owen who leads the way in assists at 201 (7.44 APS).