Volleyball opens 2024 season Friday in Puerto Rico
Aces set for three weekend matches
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In a homecoming for many who are part of the University of Evansville volleyball program, the Purple Aces are set to open the 2024 season on Friday in Puerto Rico.
Friday’s opener will pit the Aces against Akron at 6:30 p.m. CT before a Saturday contest against the University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras. That match is set for a 6 p.m. CT start. Sunday’s final match versus Providence will begin at 3 p.m. CT.
Melanie Feliciano, Ainoah Cruz, Angelica Gonzalez Maltes, and Josdarilee Caraballo are natives of Puerto Rico. Evansville head coach Fernando Morales along with assistants Jonathan Vila and Michelle Nogueras are also from the island.
While this will be a special trip for those who call Puerto Rico home, the weekend tournament opens what is setting up to be a promising campaign for the Aces. Led by reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and All-American Giulia Cardona, UE returns a talented nucleus in the floor.
Cardona led the nation last season in kills per set, points per set, and attempts per set and will team up with Feliciano, who is a former All-MVC player back for her sixth season with the program. While Cardona paced the NCAA with 5.34 kills per frame, Feliciano was second on the team with an average of 3.64/set. Kora Ruff excelled in setting up the offense, totaling 1,039 assists in her sophomore season.
Madisyn Steele got the job done both offensively and defensively. Her average of 1.17 kills was third on the team while her totals of 24 solo blocks, 67 block assists, and 91 total blocks were all team highs in 2023. Another defensive star for UE last season was Ainoah Cruz. As a freshman, she paced the team with 4.49 digs per frame.
