Friday, September 5
Springfield, Mo.
10 a.m.
DePaul University
vs
UTSA
DePaul Prepares for Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational
9/4/2025 12:31:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Blue Demons head to Missouri State for two-day tournament
CHICAGO – DePaul volleyball heads to Springfield, Mo. for the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational, Sept. 5-6. On Friday, Sept. 5, the Blue Demons face UTSA at 10 a.m. CT and Lindenwood at 4 p.m. CT. DePaul concludes its tournament against host Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 6, with first serve set for 3 p.m. CT. Saturday's match will be streamed on ESPN+ here.
"This tournament will push us to raise our level, especially in ball control during the block, dig and transition phases," said head coach Marie Zidek.
"Each of our three opponents attacks in different ways, which means we'll need to be intentional and smart with our counterattacks. Just as important, we must play as a connected unit – working off the ball to cover for each other, staying disciplined during rally and sustaining that teamwork for longer rallies.
This weekend's focus will be to upgrade our ball control, specifically to sharpen our counterattack and keep protecting our serve and pass game."
BLUE DEMON BITS
DePaul returns to action at McGrath-Phillips Arena for its home-opening weekend Sept. 13-14. The Blue Demons host Central Arkansas for Alumni Day on Saturday at noon, before welcoming Chicago State on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here and both matches will stream on ESPN+
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Volleyball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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 10 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
"This tournament will push us to raise our level, especially in ball control during the block, dig and transition phases," said head coach Marie Zidek.
"Each of our three opponents attacks in different ways, which means we'll need to be intentional and smart with our counterattacks. Just as important, we must play as a connected unit – working off the ball to cover for each other, staying disciplined during rally and sustaining that teamwork for longer rallies.
This weekend's focus will be to upgrade our ball control, specifically to sharpen our counterattack and keep protecting our serve and pass game."
BLUE DEMON BITS
- DePaul looks to improve on its 2-1 record from opening weekend, which featured wins over Oakland and Western Michigan
- In the five-set victory over the Golden Grizzlies, the Blue Demons tallied double-digit aces for the first time since 2021 and also the most blocks in a match (16) since 2021, propelled by an eight-block performance from senior Katelynn Oxley
- Morgan Stewart earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week recognition after posting 4.96 points per set on .207 hitting, including double-doubles in two of three matches
- Fellow freshman Eva Hurrle was tabbed to the BIG EAST Honor Roll after leading the league with 5.00 digs per set in her first weekend of collegiate action
- UTSA was selected to finish ninth of 13 teams in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), after posting an 11-18 tally in 2024, including seven victories in straight sets
- The Roadrunners dropped two home matches to begin their season, falling to in-state opponents Stephen F. Austin and Texas State
- Sophomore Ally Tribe leads the team with 3.29 kills/set through two matches, while freshman Giada Obregon tops the squad with 3.29 digs/set
- Friday's match marks the first outside of the state of Illinois for the Blue Demons and Roadrunners, with the series even at one match apiece
- Lindenwood opened its season with a 3-0 tally, including a five-set victory over Virginia Tech, the program's first win over a Power 4 Opponent
- The Lions were picked to finish second in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), with junior middle blocker Ashley Geluck chosen to the 2025 OVC Volleyball Watch List
- Setter Meghan Donoughue was named as OVC Setter and Freshman of the Week, after logging 108 assists, 32 digs,16 kills and seven blocks over three matches
- The Blue Demons and Lions will face off for the first time on Friday, despite Lindenwood playing its initial match of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) at McGrath-Phillips Arena last December
- Missouri State seeks its first victory after dropping all three matches of the Wildcat Classic in four sets
- Freshman and local product Hannah Gardner leads the team in assists (55) and service aces (5)
- The Bears are one of two teams DePaul faces this season (Seton Hall) that have as many true freshmen as the Blue Demons, with seven
- DePaul is 1-0 against Missouri State, defeating them on the road in 2019
DePaul returns to action at McGrath-Phillips Arena for its home-opening weekend Sept. 13-14. The Blue Demons host Central Arkansas for Alumni Day on Saturday at noon, before welcoming Chicago State on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here and both matches will stream on ESPN+
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Volleyball, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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 10 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
L/DS
/ WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
MB
/ WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
OH
/ WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALLEpisode 24: Marie Zidek, Women's Volleyball
Tuesday, September 02
Bowling Green vs. DePaul - NIVC Great 8
Saturday, December 07
Omaha vs. DePaul - NIVC Second Round
Friday, December 06
Volleyball vs. Omaha - NIVC Super 16
Friday, December 06