Sept. 13, 2011
CHICAGO- The UIC volleyball team (6-3) faces Valparaiso (7-4) in its conference opener Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. (CT) at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Ind.
ALL-TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS
The Flames began their season at Bradley's tournament, the CEFCU Classic where redshirt junior Janise Dismuke (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods) returned to her hometown to be selected as the tournament MVP, while junior Kelsey Safranek (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) and sophomore MaryKate Imrie (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) were named to the all-tournament team. UIC then welcomed DePaul, Loyola and Northwestern to the Flames Athletic Center for the Chicagoland Challenge and Safranek and freshman Sara Sternard(Clarendon Hills, Ill./Westmont) earned all-tournament honors. During the final tournament, the Dunn Hospitality Invitational at Evansville this past weekend, Safranek was again selected as a member of the all-tournament team.
HORIZON LEAGUE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Following UIC's three weekend matches during the Dunn Hospitality Invitational, Safranek was selected as the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week. The junior totaled 55 kills for a clip of .202, while chipping in 33 digs and three service aces to propel her to the all-tournament team. Safranek led all players in the contest against Evansville with 21 kills (.255), while adding two service aces, 12 digs and an assisted block. Safranek had a break-out match against Southeast Missouri State as she logged her second double-double of the weekend. She hammered down a career-high 28 kills (.273) to lead all players, while adding 12 digs and a solo block to assist the Flames in a 3-2 victory over the Redhawks.
SHARING THE LOVE
Imrie continues to dish out assists and improve her numbers consistently. In the 3-2 victory over Southeast Missouri State, the sophomore totaled a career-high 65 assists. The setter bested her previous career high of 51, which was set only one week earlier.
Fans can view a webstream of the conference opener, in addition to live stats through UICFlames.com and the Horizon League Network. Be sure to check back for complete results and a recap of the event.
