CHICAGO (Aug. 24, 2026) – The UIC volleyball team has been projected to tie for fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings this year, according to a preseason poll of the conference's 11 head coaches that was released Monday. The Flames have finished in the top four in the Valley standings and averaged 12 MVC wins during each of their first four seasons as a conference member, advancing to the MVC Tournament semifinals three times including a spot in the 2024 title match.

This season, UIC will have a strong mix of returning veterans and newcomers, led by redshirt junior setter Mihaela Harizanova, who ranked eighth in the Valley in assists last year (5.93/set), and senior outside hitter/middle blocker Gabi Peter, who has averaged nearly 2.0 kills/set during her first three seasons in Chicago. The newcomers include five international standouts who have each achieved success on the world stage for their respective nations (Brazil, Egypt, Germany and Italy), and add to a diverse Flames roster than features representatives from seven countries (also Argentina, Bulgaria and Serbia).

UIC opens its 2026 season this coming weekend at the Saint Louis Billiken Invitational, to be played inside Chaifetz Pavilion in St. Louis. The Flames will start the two-day tournament at 10 a.m. (CT) Friday against Buffalo, then return to the court at 3 p.m. (CT) Friday against Lindenwood. UIC rounds out the season-opening event at 2 p.m. (CT) Saturday against host Saint Louis, with that match to be carried live on ESPN+.

After a second road tournament at St. Thomas (Sept. 4-5), the Flames kick off their home schedule with the UIC-DePaul Invitational, starting at 6 p.m. (CT) Sept. 11 against SEC opponent Auburn at Credit Union 1 Arena — UIC will also face Central Michigan (Sept. 12 - 6 p.m.) and Western Michigan (Sept. 13 - 2 p.m.) during the weekend competition.

Single-match tickets for all UIC home volleyball matches can be purchased either in advance through the UIC Athletics Ticket Office (312.996.5580; athleticsticketing@uic.edu) or at the door on match night.

For more information on UIC volleyball, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_Volleyball and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uicvolleyball and @uicflames).

#FireUpFlames | #ChicagosCollegeTeam