Oct. 28, 2010
UIC Volleyball Notes in PDF Format
CHICAGO - The UIC volleyball team returns to its home floor for the first time since Oct. 11 this weekend when they will host Butler and Wright State in a pair of Horizon League matches at the Flames Athletic Center.
UIC finished its recent road trip with a pair of wins over Youngstown State and Loyola, while losing the opener at Cleveland State on Oct. 15 and the finale at Valparaiso last Saturday.
At home this season, albeit at two different venues, the UIC Pavilion and Physical Education Building, the Flames have posted a record of 4-7. Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley is hopeful that a return to the familiar setting of the Flames Athletic Center will help right the ship in the team's final two home matches.
"We are very excited to be back at home this weekend," said Schumacher-Cawley. "We are playing two very good teams and very much looking forward to the challenge."
Friday night's opponent, Butler, comes to the FAC tied atop the Horizon League standings alongside the Milwaukee Panthers with a record of 10-1. The Bulldogs only loss in league play came back when they were swept at Cleveland State back on Oct. 5. Since then, head coach Sharon Clark's team has rattled off six straight conference victories.
Butler has a balanced attack with two players ranking in the conference's top ten in points. Senior Jessica Wolfe leads the Horizon League with 4.45 points per set, while teammate, junior Maureen Bamiro ranks ninth with 3.38 points per set. Wolfe also leads the league with 3.93 kills per set, while Bamiro ranks second behind UIC's Janise Dismuke (.315) with a hitting percentage of .310.
The Bulldogs downed the Flames in straight sets the first time the two teams got together this season on Oct. 2.
Friday's contest between the Flames and Bulldogs in the annual "Dig For The Cure" match promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a pink "Dig For The Cure" t-shirt and Paul Mitchell The School will be on hand to provide haircuts with all donations from those haircuts set to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. UIC will also be wearing specially-designed pink jerseys for this special occasion.
"Our Dig For The Cure event is a small recognition for a large problem," said Schumacher-Cawley. "Breast cancer has touched everyone's lives in some shape or form. Our UIC Volleyball Family is proud to celebrate the effort and energy given by so many to find a cure.
"Friday we celebrate women and men who have conquered this disease, those who are fighting it, and those who have lost loved ones. I hope everyone will come out and share in this special day with us."
Saturday is Senior Day at the FAC as Taylor Szatkowski, Epiphany Davis, Jessica Dalke and Casie Sullivan will appear in front of the home crowd one final time at 4 p.m. against Wright State.
The Raiders come to town with a record of 3-8 in league play, three behind the Flames in the win column. Wright State is looking to snap a three-match losing streak and capture its first road win since Oct. 5 at Youngstown State.
Head coach Trina Smith's group is paced offensively by Calumet City, Ill. native, Shaunda Sandifer. The senior leads Wright State and ranks fourth in the Horizon League with 3.58 points per set. Freshman Heidi Splinter ranks seventh in the league with 3.43 points per set, one spot ahead of UIC's Kelsey Safranek (3.43).
"Every match is a playoff match as we are working towards being one of the six teams to get to the Horizon League Tournament," said Schumacher-Cawley. "We need to play with intensity, fire and focus for every point."
There will be a brief ceremony prior to Saturday's match to honor the outstanding contributions of the Flames senior class.
"We are excited to celebrate the four seniors and all of their accomplishments, both on and off the court," said Schumacher-Cawley. "Each one of these woman has had a tremendous impact on this program; Epiphany, Taylor, Casie and Jess are all shining examples of what it means to be a student-athlete."
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
