DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Northern Illinois
Blue Demons Unlock 2018 Season at NIU Invitational
8/22/2018 2:39:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
DPU remains instate to face Huskies and Sooners in 2018 season-opener at the Northern Illinois Invitational
DePaul vs. Northern Illinois | Friday, Aug. 24 at 7:00 p.m. | James A. Rhodes Arena
DePaul vs. Oklahoma | Saturday, Aug. 25 at 11:00 a.m. | James A. Rhodes Arena
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CHICAGO – The DePaul volleyball team opens its season at the Northern Illinois Invitational Friday, Aug. 24 with a match against host NIU at 7:00 p.m. The following day, Saturday, Aug. 25, the Blue Demons will face Oklahoma in an 11:00 a.m. match. Play will take place at James A. Rhodes Arena.
Last weekend, the Blue Demons fell in their lone appearance prior to the official start of the 2018 season while on the road for an exhibition match at Illinois State. Despite many firm endeavors throughout the match, three sets would determine DPU's fate (12-25, 15-25, 16-25).
"Since early August, we have practiced hard and improved every day in our skill and systems play," said head coach, Marie Zidek. "Last Saturday's exhibition offered us the chance to test how well we deal with competition and most importantly, how to handle adversity."
Regardless of the road that has led the team to where they are now, Zidek hopes this season will mark a turning point for the DePaul volleyball program. Though the adversity that the program has faced over the years is no secret, this particular group, coaches included, share a common belief that the road to overcoming it starts now.
"The team has continued to improve every day," Zidek exclaimed. "We are very excited to have an opportunity to test that improvement versus NIU and Oklahoma.
"Like I've said before, we do not have any team on our schedule that we cannot compete with and beat. The key is going to be how well we can overcome adversity and past losses.
"I have been very impressed with the focus and effort during practice this week and overcoming setbacks has been at the forefront of our training.
"Overcoming adversity requires an unwavering confidence which is gained through hard work and grit in practice. We look forward to another opportunity to move the needle forward this weekend."
Last Time vs. Northern Illinois
Local rivals the Huskies and Blue Demons last met in 2010 when NIU swept DPU (25-20, 25-16, 25-14) for their third straight win. Northern Illinois remained ahead of DePaul for a majority of the match, with only three lead changes taking place throughout the night.
Scouting The Huskies
With Northern Illinois coming off of a five-set exhibition loss (3-2) against the Bradley Braves, the NIU Invitational will mark the start of the 2018 season for both the Huskies and the Blue Demons. NIU wrapped up their 2017 season with a record of 8-23 after sweeping Toledo in three sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-17). The 2018 season will feature seven NIU returners, including Huskie senior, Meg Wolowicz. During the offseason, Wolowicz was named to the Preseason West All-MAC Team after leading NIU with 110 blocks and a .257 hitting percentage in 2017, finishing the season second on the team in kills with 288. The Huskies placed fifth in the Mid-American Conference coaches poll for the 2018 season, one point behind fourth-place Eastern Michigan.
Last Time vs. Oklahoma
Saturday's contest will serve as the first meeting between the Blue Demons and the Sooners.
Scouting The Sooners
In preparation for the 2018 season, the Sooners toiled their way to a 4-0 sweep (25-23, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19) over Arkansas in a preseason exhibition match. Alike NIU and DPU, the Northern Illinois Invitational will commence the official start of the 2018 season for Oklahoma. OKU concluded the 2017 season with a 3-0 sweep to TCU, making their overall mark 7-22. This season, nine Sooners players will be returning, including senior outside hitter Alyssa Enneking and sophomore setter Kylee MaLaughlin who were recently named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team. Enneking, who totaled 16 double-doubles in 2017, averaged a league-best 4.20 kills per set last season. Her 4.30 average in league matches ranked second and she averaged 4.36 against ranked opponents and 4.32 in 12 matches against teams that advanced to the NCAA tournament.
Live Coverage
For this weekend's matches, fans can visit the Northern Illinois Volleyball Schedule Page for all live coverage, links and more. Full recaps and statistics after each match will be posted to the DePaul Women's Volleyball Page.
Social Media
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