Sept. 16, 2010
UIC Volleyball Notes in PDF Format 
CHICAGO - Following a pre-conference slate that saw its share of ups and downs, the UIC volleyball team returns home to host a pair of Horizon League foes which hail from Ohio, the Youngstown State Penguins and Cleveland State Vikings.
UIC is coming of its most successful weekend of the early campaign after earning the Best Western Invitational Championship over a talented field of four other schools. The Flames went 3-1 during the two-day event and even posted their first sweep of the season, whitewashing Troy, 3-0.
Redshirt sophomore Janise Dismuke was named the Best Western's Most Valuable Player and she was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Jessica Dalke and Kelsey Safranek. Safranek, a sophomore, was also named to the All-Tournament squad at the UIC Invitational earlier this season.
UIC (5-4) will entertain the Penguins (2-9) on Friday night in the league opener at 7:00 p.m. inside the UIC Physical Education Building (901 W. Roosevelt Rd.). On Saturday, the Flames welcome the defending regular season champion Vikings (9-0) at 4:00 p.m. Cleveland State is the only Horizon League squad with an unblemished record so far.
In 2009, UIC split its regular season matchups with both Youngstown State and Cleveland State, winning each match at the Flames Athletic Center. The Flames saw the Vikings a third time in the semifinals of the Horizon League Championships where they bowed out against the host school, 3-2.
"The team is excited to start conference play," said UIC head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. "We've had a hard week of preparation and we're looking forward to opening up at home."
Last season, Schumacher-Cawley's first as head coach, the Flames won eight matches in the Horizon League which marked a three-win improvement from the previous campaign. The Chicago native knows how important every league contest will be.
"The Horizon League is always competitive and this season will be no different," said Schumacher-Cawley. "Only six teams will advance to the conference tournament in November so we must be ready to go at all times."
If you cannot make to the PEB this weekend, both matches will be webcast, free of charge, on the Horizon League Network.
For a look at the game notes for this weekend's matches, please click on the PDF above.
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.
