ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The UIC volleyball team will officially open its 2026 campaign this weekend, as the Flames travel to Chaifetz Pavilion for the Billiken Invitational hosted by Saint Louis University. UIC will face a challenging three-match slate over the two-day tournament, beginning at 10 a.m. (CT) Friday against Buffalo before returning to the court at 3 p.m. against Lindenwood. The Flames will wrap up the opening weekend at 2 p.m. Saturday against tournament host Saint Louis, with the match available to stream live on ESPN+. Live stats will be available for all three contests.

Match #1
UIC "Flames" (0-0, 0-0 MVC) vs. Buffalo "Bulls" (0-0, 0-0 MAC)
When: Friday, Aug. 28 | 10 a.m. CT
Where: St. Louis, Mo. | Chaifetz Pavilion
Live Coverage: Live Stats

Match #2
UIC "Flames" (0-0, 0-0 MVC) vs. Lindenwood "Lions" (0-0, 0-0 OVC)
When: Friday, Aug. 28 | 3 p.m. CT
Where: St. Louis, Mo. | Chaifetz Pavilion
Live Coverage: Live Stats

Match #3
UIC "Flames" (0-0, 0-0 MVC) at Saint Louis "Billikens" (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic 10)
When: Saturday, Aug. 29 | 2 p.m. CT
Where: St. Louis, Mo. | Chaifetz Pavilion
Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats

SEASON OPENER
UIC enters the new campaign looking to build upon four strong seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Flames have finished among the top four teams in the Valley standings in each of their first four MVC seasons, averaging 12 conference victories per year while advancing to the MVC Tournament semifinals three times, including a trip to the 2024 championship match.

The Flames were picked to tie for fourth in this year's MVC preseason poll, receiving one first-place vote. Head coach Justin Ingram's squad features an intriguing blend of returning experience and new talent, with UIC welcoming nine newcomers to complement nine returning student-athletes.

LEADING THE WAY

PRESEASON OUTLOOK
The Flames were selected to finish tied for fourth in the MVC preseason coaches poll, alongside Belmont (with UIC picking up a first-place vote). Northern Iowa was tabbed as the league favorite, followed by Drake and Valparaiso. UIC's preseason position continues a trend of strong league expectations after the Flames established themselves as one of the Valley's consistent contenders during their first four seasons in the conference, finishing in the top four each year.

A BUSY START
The Billiken Invitational is the first of three consecutive tournaments for UIC to begin the season (the opening two coming on the road). Following this weekend's action, the Flames will travel to St. Paul, Minn., for the Tommie Invitational, Sept. 3-5, where they will face Milwaukee, host St. Thomas and Montana State. UIC will then return to Chicago for its home-opening UIC-DePaul Invitational, highlighted by a Sept. 11 matchup against SEC opponent Auburn at Credit Union 1 Arena. Central Michigan and Western Michigan will also visit Chicago during the three-day event.

UIC HOME VOLLEYBALL TICKETS ON SALE
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.

UP NEXT
Following the Billiken Invitational, UIC will continue its season-opening road swing at the Tommie Invitational in St. Paul, Minn., beginning Sept. 3.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
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).