Wednesday, September 17
Milwaukee, Wis.
6 p.m.
DePaul University
at
Milwaukee
DePaul Set for Midweek Matchup with Milwaukee
9/16/2025 12:02:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Blue Demons seek to extend three-match win streak
CHICAGO – DePaul volleyball heads north to face Milwaukee on Wednesday, Sept. 17, with first serve slated for 6 p.m. CT from the Klotsche Center. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Blue Demons enter the match having won nine straight sets and three consecutive matches, dating back to Sept. 5, against Missouri State. The last time DePaul swept four straight matches was under Anna Marie Marassa in 1991, which they achieved three different times that season.
DePaul is strengthened by a young core, with freshmen Morgan Stewart and Eva Hurrle the first pair to earn BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors in the same season in program history. Stewart owns a team-best 4.05 kills per set, while Hurrle tops the defense with 5.00 digs per set, good for second in the league.
"Milwaukee marks the beginning of our final preparations before conference play," said head coach Marie Zidek.
"Wednesday is the first of a three-match road swing, where we'll focus on sharpening our execution and refining our systems. September is the month to add depth, not only in determining how we run our systems, but also determining who can be relied on for key match responsibilities. We must embrace this challenge, show respect for the process and take responsibility for it, beginning today in practice and continuing through the weekend at the Chicago Cup.
This contest gives us the chance to rehearse for the rhythm of BIG EAST play, when we'll face Marquette midweek in October. Competing every other day demands a different level of preparation, training and dedication to attacking each opponent.
We have a valuable opportunity to learn important lessons about preparation, tactical focus and execution when the lights are on and the jersey is ours to represent."
BLUE DEMON BITS
DePaul returns to action on Friday, Sept. 19, against UIC to open the Chicago Cup. First serve against the Flames is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT from the Credit Union 1 Arena, with streaming here on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
Stay up to date with all things DePaul Volleyball at DePaulBlueDemons.com. For real-time updates, follow the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or sign up for email updates and text alerts.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for the 2025 DePaul volleyball season are on sale now, starting at just $49. Season ticket holders receive access to all regular-season home matches and exclusive benefits! Secure your seats today at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets. Group ticket options are available now for parties of 10 or more, making it easy to bring your team, company or friends to a game. Explore all group ticket options at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Groups.
To stay up-to-date, sign up for DePaul Athletics email updates.
The Blue Demons enter the match having won nine straight sets and three consecutive matches, dating back to Sept. 5, against Missouri State. The last time DePaul swept four straight matches was under Anna Marie Marassa in 1991, which they achieved three different times that season.
DePaul is strengthened by a young core, with freshmen Morgan Stewart and Eva Hurrle the first pair to earn BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors in the same season in program history. Stewart owns a team-best 4.05 kills per set, while Hurrle tops the defense with 5.00 digs per set, good for second in the league.
"Milwaukee marks the beginning of our final preparations before conference play," said head coach Marie Zidek.
"Wednesday is the first of a three-match road swing, where we'll focus on sharpening our execution and refining our systems. September is the month to add depth, not only in determining how we run our systems, but also determining who can be relied on for key match responsibilities. We must embrace this challenge, show respect for the process and take responsibility for it, beginning today in practice and continuing through the weekend at the Chicago Cup.
This contest gives us the chance to rehearse for the rhythm of BIG EAST play, when we'll face Marquette midweek in October. Competing every other day demands a different level of preparation, training and dedication to attacking each opponent.
We have a valuable opportunity to learn important lessons about preparation, tactical focus and execution when the lights are on and the jersey is ours to represent."
BLUE DEMON BITS
- Senior Katelynn Oxley continues to excel for the Blue Demons, earning 28 kills on .534 hitting in her last three matches, along with five blocks
- Fellow middle-blocker Jade Dudley-Epps leads DePaul in service aces (12) and total blocks (31), also achieving five or more kills in seven of eight matches this year
- Head coach Marie Zidek is just two wins away from 100 victories at the helm of the program, and her 101st win would make her the third-winningest coach in program history behind Dawn Dockstader (114 wins) and Anne Marie Marassa (160 wins)
- Sophomore setter Amanda Saeger organized the DePaul offense through its home-opening weekend, adding a season-high 37 helpers against Chicago State, needing just 12 more assists to reach 1,000 in her career
- Milwaukee enters the match 0-9 on the season, most recently falling to 2024 NCAA tournament team, Marquette, in straight sets
- Despite facing stout competition to open the year, the Panthers were picked second in the 2025 Horizon League Preseason Poll, returning 2024 all-league selections Kara Erdmann, Natalie Schmitz and Milica Tomic
- Erdmann, also the 2024 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, continues to anchor the Milwaukee defense, leading the squad with 4.38 digs per set
- Susie Johnson is in her 29th season with Milwaukee volleyball, and 18th as head coach, amassing a 305-224 (.573) record at the helm of the program
- DePaul defeated Milwaukee in straight sets in 2024, just its fourth victory in 25 all-time meetings
- In Milwaukee, the Panthers own 11 of 12 matches over the Blue Demons
DePaul returns to action on Friday, Sept. 19, against UIC to open the Chicago Cup. First serve against the Flames is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT from the Credit Union 1 Arena, with streaming here on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
Stay up to date with all things DePaul Volleyball at DePaulBlueDemons.com. For real-time updates, follow the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or sign up for email updates and text alerts.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for the 2025 DePaul volleyball season are on sale now, starting at just $49. Season ticket holders receive access to all regular-season home matches and exclusive benefits! Secure your seats today at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets. Group ticket options are available now for parties of 10 or more, making it easy to bring your team, company or friends to a game. Explore all group ticket options at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Groups.
To stay up-to-date, sign up for DePaul Athletics email updates.
Players Mentioned
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