June 8, 2005
Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Head Volleyball Coach Nancy Mueller announced her squad's schedule for the upcoming 2005 campaign on Wednesday afternoon, featuring a slate of as many as nine opponents from the state of Illinois, and against as many as four teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2004.
"This season's schedule is very competitive," Mueller said. "It was designed to challenge us at the highest level.
"We play some very good non-conference opponents early in the season to help us prepare for our conference schedule," Mueller continued. "I am anxious and excited to be playing such quality teams."
UIC kicks off the campaign on Friday, August 26th, squaring off with in-state rival, Northern Illinois at 7:00 p.m. (CST) in the Flames Athletic Center. They will conclude that weekend against Northern Iowa on Saturday, for a neutral contest in DeKalb, Ill., at 12:00 p.m. (CST).
The Flames open in-season tournament play on Labor Day weekend, hosting the UIC Invitational, featuring Denver, Bowling Green, College of Charleston and James Madison, at the Flames Athletic Center (FAC).
UIC will participate in two more tournaments, both in-state, competing in both the Chicago Challenge, hosted by DePaul, and the State Farm Illini Classic, hosted by Illinois.
The 2nd Annual Chicago Challenge is held from September 9th-10th, and features the host Blue Demons, along with Northwestern and 2004 Horizon League Tournament Champion, Loyola.
The Flames wrap up in-season tournament play, traveling to Champaign, Ill., to participate in the State Farm Illini Classic, featuring 2004 NCAA participants, Rice and Illinois, along with Eastern Illinois, from September 16th-17th.
UIC opens up its Horizon League slate on Friday, September 23rd, hosting UW-Milwaukee at 7:00 p.m. in the FAC.
The Flames test their mettle in October, as nine of their 10 matches will be held on the road. UIC wraps up the regular-season with four home matches in November.
Mueller and the Flames will enjoy home-court advantage for the right to advance to the NCAA Tournament, by hosting the 2005 Horizon League Tournament at the FAC from November 17th-20th.
