Aug. 30, 2011

CHICAGO -The UIC volleyball team returns to action after an undefeated weekend at the CEFCU Classic Tuesday in their home opener against Western Illinois at 7:00 p.m. (CT) at the Flames Athletic Center in Chicago.

The Flames (2-0) enter the matchup with the Leathernecks (3-1) after defeating Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) in a 3-1 decision, followed by a 3-0 victory over Bradley Saturday. Additionally, redshirt junior co-captain Janise Dismuke(Peoria, Ill./Richwoods) was selected as the MVP of the tournament. Dismuke knocked down 24 kills on the weekend, 10 (.391) in the win over UNO and added 14 (.500) more in the sweep of the Braves. Dismuke enters the week as the Horizon Conference leader in hitting percentage with a clip of .444.

Sophomore co-captain MaryKate Imrie (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) and Kelsey Safranek(Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) were named to the all-tournament team. Imrie picked up a double-double in each match as she claimed 14 digs and dished out 35 assists Friday, while earning 12 digs and 38 assists Saturday.

Safranek knocked down 19 kills in the victory over Bradley to receive the highest amount of anyone on the court, while also chipping in seven digs.

Western Illinois began its season with a 3-0 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, before dropping a 2-3 decision to SIU-Edwardsville. The Leathernecks then bounced back to a 3-2 victory over Kent State and concluded the weekend by sweeping Wofford.

Fans can follow all the action of the match with live statistics and watch on the Horizon League Network through UICFlames.com.