UE Volleyball to open 2017 home schedule against IU

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Aces announce 2017 schedule

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – An exciting home opener against Indiana University highlights the 2017 University of Evansville volleyball schedule.

The home opener versus the Hoosiers is set to take place on Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m. as part of the Dunn Hospitality Invitational.  It will be the first game at the newly-remodeled Meeks Family Fieldhouse while also marking the naming ceremony for Lois D. Patton Court.

“I am excited for this year’s schedule, as it offers a good balance and preparation for our 2017 fall roster,” Purple Aces head coach Manolo Concepcion explained.  “The majority of teams that we are facing in Pre-Season simulate the type of opponents that we will face in the MVC, so it allows us to get tested right away and opens the door for the six new players we have to transition effectively into what is considered to be the best mid major conference in the nation.”

“It is also great to continue the tradition of bringing a big time school to visit us each year. This time, it creates what could be the most interesting rival for our community yet: Indiana University (who is coming for the first time in the history of our volleyball program),” Concepcion added.  “They will represent our first home match of the year: A game people would not want to miss; especially because of the event itself, where we will be inaugurating our brand new Taraflex Floor, making us the first program in the MVC to play in this type of international level material. A night that would also give us the opportunity to honor one of the most transcendental people that have ever worked in our department – Lois Patton – with a special dedication ceremony.”

On August 25, the season officially begins with a trip to the Western Illinois Tournament.  UE will take on Chicago State, Manhattan and Western Illinois over the 2-day event.  The second non-conference tournament will take place on September 1 and 2 as the Aces make their way to Cape Girardeau, Mo. for the Redhawks Invitational.  In that tournament, the Aces will play Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Morgan State and Southeast Missouri State.

Home play commences on Sept. 8 with the dedication of Lois D. Patton Court as UE welcomes the Indiana Hoosiers for a 7 p.m. match.  A pair of contests are on tap on the 9th as Evansville takes on UAB and UT Martin.  A trip to Muncie, Ind. wraps up the non-conference slate as the squad will take part in the Ball State/Butler Tournament.  Ball State, Butler and Duquesne are the opponents.

Missouri Valley Conference play starts with a trip to Terre Haute to take on Indiana State on Sept. 22.  Three days later, the first home league game is on tap as the Aces welcome Illinois State to Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

A pivotal home stretch in early October will see the Aces play three home MVC matches in four days.  They take on Drake and UNI in a regular weekend schedule before hosting Bradley on Oct. 9.  Another important MVC weekend will take place on Oct. 27-28 when Missouri State and Southern Illinois come to town.  The Bears are coming off of an NCAA Tournament berth last season.

November 9 and 10 will mark the final home matches of the season when new league member Valpo along with Loyola

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