DePaul Volleyball Set to Host Chicago Cup

CHICAGO - DePaul volleyball resumes their seven-match homestand this weekend, hosting the Chicago Cup at McGrath-Phillips Arena from Sept.19-21. The Blue Demons open the tournament against Milwaukee at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, compete Friday, September 20 against UIC at 7 p.m. , and close play with Loyola Chicago on Saturday, September 21 at 5 p.m. All three matches can be streamed on FloVolleyball here.

"The Chicago Cup is always a battle no matter what every team's record is," said head coach Marie Zidek.

"Milwaukee competes with speed to their pins. UIC competes by getting multiple people involved on offense and their setters are always tough to pin down with their deception. Loyola Chicago will be mostly a new team compared to what we have faced in previous years, so we will have to adjust and adapt quickly. All three opponents provide a chance for our offense to reach for more equal distribution, which will require our passing, serving, and defense to have strong showings. It is one final tune-up before starting BIG EAST play, and we need to make these matches count."

SCOUTING THE PANTHERS (MILWAUKEE)

Defensive specialist Kara Erdmann leads Milwaukee with 186 digs, while outside hitter Natalie Schmitz tops the offense with 109 kills.
The Panthers sit at 5-5 on the season, having recorded two wins against other Illinois opponents, defeating both Western Illinois and Northen Illinois.
Head Coach Susie Johnson tallies 28 total seasons with Milwaukee, including 17 at the helm of the program, boasting a .573 winning percentage since 2007.

SCOUTING THE FLAMES (UIC)

UIC opens the 2024 season 7-2, their best start in nine games since the 2020 season, including three wins in five sets.
Junior Francesca Venturini leads the team with 227 assists, while graduate student Zahria Woodard stands first offensively with 105 kills and 42 total blocks.
The Flames lost to Chicago State for just the second time in program history on Monday, falling in four sets and posting a season-low 34 kills .

SCOUTING THE RAMBLERS (LOYOLA CHICAGO)

The Ramblers have yet to play a five-set match this season, earning all three of their wins in straight sets.
Jae Fitting earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, September 16 after notching 47 digs and six service aces over three matches.
Coach Amanda Berkley is in her eighth season leading the Ramblers, after taking the team to a 19-12 finish in 2023, including a 16-2 tally in conference play.

BLUE DEMON BITS

Pin hitter Audrey Klemp recorded her sixth career game with 20 or more kills against Brown, and her first of the season.
Sophomore middle blocker Meghan Scholz tallied her first three starts of the season over the weekend, putting up 20 kills and 11 blocks in three matches.
Three DePaul players tallied double-doubles against both Colorado State and Brown, including Ashley Cudiamat, Jill Pressly, and Amanda Saeger.

SERIES STUFF

Milwaukee leads the all-time series over the Blue Demons, 19-3-1. Milwaukee has won the last 12 meetings, dating back to 1997.
DePaul last faced the Flames in 2023, earning a 3-1 victory at McGrath-Phillips Arena. UIC is ahead in the all-time series, 28-20, while the Blue Demons have a slight edge at home, posting a 10-9 record.
The Blue Demons have won the last three outings against the Ramblers, including a 2023 sweep at Gentile Arena. Loyola Chicago holds the series record, 28-15.

UP NEXT
DePaul will open BIG EAST play on Wednesday, September 25^th against Xavier. First serve is set for 11 a.m. The Blue Demons will then travel to Indianapolis, Ind. to face Butler on Friday, September 27 for their second conference match of the season.

FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Volleyball, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.

TICKET INFORMATION
Join DePaul Volleyball at McGrath-Phillips Arena this fall to celebrate 50 years of Blue Demon volleyball! Season ticket memberships start at only $45 per seat and include access to all 15 regular season home matches! For an additional $30, upgrade your experience and sit courtside at McGrath-Phillips Arena! Fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information, including single-game tickets and group opportunities.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Ashley Cudiamat

Audrey Klemp

Jill Pressly

Amanda Saeger

Meghan Scholz

DePaul University Athletics