The Valparaiso volleyball team will be competing each of the next four weekends, as head coach Carin Avery released the Crusaders’ 2012 spring schedule today.

The Crusaders open the spring campaign this Saturday, March 31 at the Dunes Operation Center in Rolling Prairie, taking on DePaul, Iowa, Toledo and Ferris State in the 11-team event.  Valpo will play at Western Michigan on April 7, facing UIC and Oakland in addition to the host Broncos, and will travel to Purdue on April 14.  The Crusaders conclude the spring season outdoors on April 21 at Outpost Sports in Merrillville in a doubles beach tournament hosted by Notre Dame.

“We are excited about getting back on the court again for the first time since November,” said Avery.  “We are very lucky that we have 11 returning players for the spring this year.  We have been working hard not only in the gym, but in the weight room and in our conditioning.  We play some outstanding teams this spring at our three first tournaments and we know that will help us prepare for a great fall schedule.  We are also excited about our final spring tourney, as our girls get a great opportunity to try some beach volleyball.  We’ve seen in the past that playing on the beach helps them become better players.”