DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Welcomes USF for Dig Pink Match
10/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Oct. 20, 2011
CHICAGO - After a disappointing non-conference loss on Tuesday night, the DePaul volleyball team looks to regroup and as they welcome visiting University of South Florida on Friday night for its "Dig Pink" match at 7 p.m. in the McGrath Phillips Arena. Proceeds from the match go toward the Side-Out Foundation's efforts to promote breast cancer awareness.
"The team needs to come together and play as one unified group and represent DePaul to give USF a good match," head coach Nadia Edwards said about her Blue Demons squad. "In moments against Notre Dame and even [Tuesday], we had a lot of people step up. It's not enough. We need to collectively be on the same page."
Tuesday night's defeat at the hands of Western Illinois was a crushing one for the Blue Demons. After dropping the first set 25-22, DePaul rallied in the second set to push it to extra points before eventually falling 26-24. In the third set, the WIU Leathernecks stepped up to close it out at three sets to none. The Blue Demons have a chance to get back on track in BIG EAST Conference action, however, with the upcoming match against the Bulls.
"Across the board we need to approach the game a little bit more aggressively and work together as a unit. I think it's going to be more about the team than anything else," Edwards continued.
USF serves as a tough test for the Blue Demons as the Bulls head into the match as winners of three of their last four BIG EAST matches with their only loss coming to Seton Hall, an opponent DePaul has yet to face. Victories over St. John's and Connecticut pushed the Bulls to a 4-2 mark in BIG EAST action, good for sixth place in the conference.
"We've got a great weekend in front of us," Edwards said. "We're at home. It's our Dig Pink weekend. We're raising awareness for breast cancer. It's a very good cause. A lot of things come into play that should motivate you to want to play hard."
To promote the "Dig Pink" effort, all donations on Friday will benefit the Side-Out Foundation (www.side-out.org). Donations can also be made online at http://www.side-out.org/application/ous/fundraising_page/2763, while $5 raffle tickets can be purchased during the game for a chance to win an iPod Shuffle, NIKE Gear, or a game-worn jersey.
