2/16/2024
Lindley Martin Joins Valpo Volleyball Program
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Lindley Martin, a 5’6” defensive specialist from North Judson, Ind., has signed to join the Beacons as a freshman for the fall of 2024.
1/24/2024
Liberti Signs with Valpo Volleyball
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Mia Liberti (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) has signed with the Beacons and will join the program as a freshman in the fall of 2024.
12/12/2023
Four Volleyball Players Earn Academic All-District Recognition
The Valpo volleyball program had four players recognized as Academic All-District honorees as College Sports Communicators released its volleyball Academic All-District roll on Tuesday.
11/30/2023
Volleyball Drops Decision to Northern Colorado in Opening Round of NIVC
Making its third consecutive postseason appearance and fourth in the last six years, the Valpo volleyball team fell in opening-round action of the 2023 NIVC Thursday evening in Greeley, Colo. to host Northern Colorado, 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-14).
11/28/2023
Volleyball Set For 2023 NIVC
For the third straight year and the fourth time in the last six seasons, the Valpo volleyball program heads to postseason play after earning an at-large bid to the 2023 NIVC. The Beacons will travel to Greeley, Colo. for the tournament's first two rounds, taking on host Northern Colorado in opening-round action on Thursday before a potential second-round matchup against either Wyoming or South Dakota on Friday.
11/27/2023
Three Volleyball Players Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors
The Valpo volleyball team had a trio of players recognized on Monday as MVC Scholar-Athlete honorees, as the conference announced its Scholar-Athlete squads. Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) was an MVC First Team Scholar-Athlete selection, while Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) and Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) both were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Second Team.
11/26/2023
Volleyball Earns Bid to 2023 NIVC; Faces Northern Colorado in First Round
The Valpo volleyball program returns to the postseason for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in the last six years, as the Beacons learned they had earned an at-large bid to the 2023 National Invitational Volleyball Championship on Sunday evening. Valpo will make the trip to Greeley, Colo. for the tournament’s first two rounds and will face host Northern Colorado on Thursday night at 7 p.m. CT.
11/22/2023
Januski Named to MVC All-Tournament Team
Valpo volleyball senior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) represented the Beacons on the MVC All-Tournament Team following a strong performance in Valpo’s tournament match.
11/20/2023
Volleyball Inks Five During Signing Period
The Valpo volleyball program will welcome a talented quintet of incoming freshmen for the 2024 campaign, as five players signed during November’s signing period to join the Beacons — including a pair of AVCA All-Americans.
11/19/2023
Volleyball Falls in First Round of MVC Tournament
The fifth-seeded Valpo volleyball team kicked off its opening-round match of the MVC Volleyball Tournament against eighth-seeded Belmont by rolling to a first-set win, but the Beacons were unable to take advantage of chances to capture each of the next two sets as the Bruins rallied for a 3-1 (17-25, 27-25, 26-24, 25-11) victory which ended Valpo's quest for the tournament title.
11/18/2023
Strongman, Januski Earn All-MVC Recognition
The Valpo volleyball team had a pair of players earn postseason recognition Saturday, as fifth-year middle Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) was a First Team All-MVC honoree and senior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) was named Second Team All-MVC.
11/17/2023
Volleyball Opens MVC Tournament Sunday Afternoon
The Valpo volleyball team heads to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Springfield, Mo. early next week as the fifth seed in the eight-team field. The Beacons, who open tournament play against eighth-seeded Belmont, will have to win four matches in four days to claim the tournament title.
11/15/2023
Volleyball Falls at UIC to Close Regular Season
The Valpo volleyball team shut the door on the 2023 regular season on Wednesday evening in Chicago, falling in straight sets to host UIC (25-20, 25-21, 25-19). The Beacons will enter the 2023 MVC Tournament as the fifth seed, opening tournament play against Belmont Sunday afternoon.
11/14/2023
Volleyball Aims for Tournament Bye in Regular Season Finale Wednesday
A lot is on the line for the Valpo volleyball team on Wednesday evening as the Beacons travel to UIC for their regular season finale. With a win, Valpo would finish in third place in the Valley regular season standings - matching its best finish since joining the MVC - while with a loss, the Beacons would be dependent on other results to learn whether they secured a first-round bye.
11/11/2023
Volleyball Drops Senior Night Battle to UNI
Taking to the floor for its final home match of the season, the Valpo volleyball team looked to send its senior class out victors on Senior Night, rolling MVC regular season champions UNI in the first set. But the visiting Panthers came back with wins in each of the next three frames for a 3-1 (13-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14) victory.
11/10/2023
Volleyball Falls to Drake Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team was even with visiting Drake Friday evening at the ARC through two sets, but the Bulldogs pulled away in each of the final two sets as the Beacons fell by a 3-1 (25-10, 25-27, 25-16, 25-15) final.
11/8/2023
Volleyball Closes Out Home Slate This Weekend
It's the final weekend of home action at the ARC for the Valpo volleyball team this weekend, as the Beacons take on the top two teams in the MVC standings. Valpo faces off with Drake on Friday evening for the program's #oneVALPO match and then celebrates its seniors on Saturday night in the Senior Night match versus UNI.
11/8/2023
Volleyball Shining Light on #oneVALPO Promise Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball program will be hosting its #oneVALPO match on Friday evening when the Beacons take on Drake, highlighting the athletic department’s #oneVALPO promise, which emphasizes that we are one — one team, one community, one people.
11/4/2023
Volleyball Wins Sixth Straight Road Match with Victory at Illinois State
The Valpo volleyball team clinched a berth in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Saturday evening in Normal, Ill. and moved into third place by itself in the MVC standings with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-15) victory at Illinois State. The Beacons have won their last six road matches, all of which have come in conference play.
11/3/2023
Volleyball Rallies for Five-Set Win at Bradley, Clinches Winning Season
Trailing by two sets Friday evening in Peoria, Ill., the Valpo volleyball team was up to the task, rallying to take the final three sets and earn a 3-2 (19-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-12) victory over Bradley to move into a tie for third place in the MVC standings. With the win, the Beacons secured their 20th winning season in 22 campaigns under head coach Carin Avery.
11/1/2023
Volleyball Heads to Bradley, Illinois State
For the third time in the last four weekends, the Valpo volleyball team hits the road this weekend, but this time a shorter trip awaits the Beacons, as they head to central Illinois to face Bradley Friday night and Illinois State Saturday evening.
10/28/2023
Volleyball Winning Streak Snapped by Murray State
The Valpo volleyball team looked poised to extend its winning streak to seven straight matches Saturday night at the ARC as the Beacons took the first two sets, but visiting Murray State turned the tables after intermission, winning the final three sets as Valpo fell by a 3-2 (22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-12) final.
10/27/2023
Volleyball Extends Winning Streak to Six with Sweep of Belmont
For the first time in three weekends, the Valpo volleyball team was back in action at the ARC on Friday, but while the venue was different, the result was the same — a 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-22) victory over visiting Belmont to extend the Beacons’ winning streak to six straight matches.
10/25/2023
Volleyball Brings Winning Streak Home This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team brings its longest winning streak in conference play since joining the Missouri Valley Conference home to the ARC this weekend, as the Beacons look to add to the streak in matchups with Belmont Friday night and Murray State Saturday evening.
10/21/2023
Volleyball Extends Winning Streak to Five with Sweep at Missouri State
The Valpo volleyball team made quick work of Missouri State Saturday evening to conclude its four-match road swing, sweeping the host Bears 3-0 (26-24, 25-13, 25-17). The Beacons won all four of their road matches in this two-weekend sweep and have now won five straight in conference play for the first time since joining the Valley.
10/20/2023
Volleyball Picks Up Third Straight Road Win
The Valpo volleyball team extended its winning streak to four consecutive matches, the last three of which have all come away from home, on Friday evening with a 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) victory at Southern Illinois.
10/18/2023
Volleyball Continues Road Swing This Weekend
Fresh off of one weekend road sweep, the Valpo volleyball team goes after a second straight winning weekend away from home, as the Beacons make the trek to take on Southern Illinois Friday night and Missouri State Saturday evening.
10/14/2023
Volleyball Completes Perfect Weekend with Win at Evansville
The Valpo volleyball team completed a 2-0 weekend on the road at its fellow Hoosier State MVC foes Saturday evening from Evansville, Ind., defeating the host Purple Aces 3-1 (27-29, 25-22, 25-17, 25-19).
10/13/2023
Volleyball Picks Up Road Sweep at Indiana State
The Valpo volleyball team kicked off a four-match stretch on the road in fine fashion Friday evening in Terre Haute, Ind., sweeping host Indiana State (25-17, 25-18, 25-16). The Beacons’ block was strong throughout the match, as they racked up 13 total team blocks, nine of which senior Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) was part of to match the program’s single-match high in a three-set match in the 25-point era.
10/11/2023
Volleyball Set for Indiana Road Swing This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team hits the halfway mark of MVC action this weekend as the Beacons make the road swing downstate, playing at Indiana State on Friday evening before heading to Evansville on Saturday evening.
10/7/2023
Volleyball Outlasts Bradley For Five-Set Win
The Valpo volleyball team closed its home weekend at the ARC on a winning note Saturday, twice rallying from one-set deficits to pick up a 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, 15-6) win over the Braves.
10/6/2023
Volleyball Falls to Illinois State Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team dropped a Missouri Valley Conference match at the ARC to visiting Illinois State Friday evening by a 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-20) final. During the match, fifth-year outside hitter Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) moved into the top-10 in program history in career digs.
10/4/2023
Volleyball Returns to the ARC This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team returns home to the ARC this weekend as Valley play rolls on. The Beacons host Illinois State on Friday night and then welcome Bradley on Saturday evening for a Girls and Women in Sport Celebration Match.
9/30/2023
Volleyball Drops Four-Set Decision at Drake
The Valpo volleyball team fought into extra points to earn a set two win and even its match at Drake Saturday evening at one set apiece before the host Bulldogs took the final two frames as the Beacons fell 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 14-25, 16-25).
9/29/2023
Volleyball Falls on Road to Preseason Favorite UNI
The Valpo volleyball team was right in all three sets on the road against preseason MVC favorite UNI Friday evening in Cedar Falls, Iowa, but the Panthers came out with wins late in all three frames to earn the 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-21) victory.
9/29/2023
Girls and Women in Sport Celebration Match Set for Oct. 7
Valpo Athletics will highlight and celebrate women’s athletics on Saturday, Oct. 7 as the Valpo volleyball team plays host to Bradley at 5 p.m. for the Girls and Women in Sport Celebration Match.
9/27/2023
Volleyball Prepares For Iowa Road Swing
After opening MVC play with a trio of home matches, the Valpo volleyball team hits the road for the first time in Valley action this weekend, making the Iowa road swing to UNI and Drake - the top two choices in the MVC preseason poll.
9/26/2023
Hickey Surpasses 1,000 Career Digs; Volleyball Falls to UIC Tuesday
Valpo volleyball sophomore libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) became the quickest player in program history to reach 1,000 career digs on Tuesday evening as the Beacons faced UIC in MVC action, but the visiting Flames spoiled the end of the night as Valpo fell by a 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) final for its first defeat in Valley play.
9/25/2023
Hickey Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valpo volleyball sophomore libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after helping the Beacons to a 2-0 start to MVC action last weekend.
9/23/2023
Volleyball Sweeps SIU to Cap Winning Weekend
With the 2003 Valpo volleyball team in town for its 20-year reunion to celebrate its Mid-Continent Conference championship, the 2023 version of the Beacons did their predecessors proud on Saturday night at the ARC with a three-set sweep (25-21, 26-24, 25-19) of Southern Illinois to close out a perfect Homecoming weekend.
9/22/2023
Volleyball Pulls Out Five-Set Win Over Missouri State Friday
A night at the ARC which began with recognition of Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery for breaking the Valpo Athletics career wins record by a head coach across all sports concluded with the Beacons celebrating Avery’s 480th win at the helm of the program, a hard-fought five-set (25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 17-25, 15-8) victory over Missouri State to open MVC play.
9/20/2023
Volleyball Opens MVC Play With Trio of Home Matches
Missouri Valley Conference play opens up for the Valpo volleyball team with a flurry of home matches at the ARC, as the Beacons take the floor three times in a five-day span. The MVC slate kicks off against Missouri State Friday evening, with head coach Carin Avery being honored prior to the match in recognition of her breaking Valpo Athletics' all-time wins record last weekend. Homecoming festivities continue Saturday night against Southern Illinois, with the 20-year reunion of the 2003 team which won the Mid-Continent Conference regular season and tournament titles. The stretch of matches closes Tuesday evening against UIC.
9/17/2023
Hickey, Januski Earn All-Tournament Accolades
The Valpo volleyball team was represented by a pair of players on the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational All-Tournament Team, as sophomore libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) and senior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) earned the honors for their performances over the course of the weekend.
9/16/2023
Avery Sets Valpo Athletics Wins Record; Volleyball Sweeps Two Saturday
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery stands alone among Valparaiso University head coaches, earning her 479th victory Saturday at the helm of the program to become the winningest head coach across all sports in Valpo Athletics history. Avery moved past Valpo Athletics legend Emory Bauer as her Beacons swept a pair of matches to close out the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational, taking care of Miami (Ohio) in straight sets (25-14, 25-17, 25-19) in the early afternoon before finishing up with a 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-22) sweep of the hosts in evening action.
9/15/2023
Volleyball Falls in Tournament Opener to SIUE
The Valpo volleyball team opened its final preconference tournament of the 2023 season at the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational, falling in four sets (28-26, 19-25, 25-17, 25-20) to SIUE.
9/13/2023
Volleyball Set to Conclude Nonconference Play This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team closes out nonconference play this weekend with its fourth and final in-season tournament of the 2023 campaign. The Beacons head to the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational, where they will face Miami (Ohio) and SIUE in addition to the host Mastodons.
9/10/2023
Januski, Strongman Pick Up All-Tournament Accolades
Valpo placed two players on the All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of this weekend’s Stacheville Challenge, as Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) and Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) picked up the honors.
9/9/2023
Volleyball Closes Weekend with Win Over Lindenwood
The Valpo volleyball team brought its weekend at Austin Peay’s Stacheville Challenge to an end Saturday afternoon on a winning note, overcoming a one-set deficit to earn a 3-1 (17-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-19) victory over Lindenwood.
9/8/2023
Volleyball Drops Pair of Matches Friday
The Valpo volleyball team fell twice on Friday at the Stacheville Challenge in Clarksville, Tenn., dropping a 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-15) decision to Big Ten foe Indiana to start the day before succumbing 3-1 (25-20, 15-25, 25-18, 25-20) to host Austin Peary Friday night.
9/6/2023
Volleyball Heads to Austin Peay For Stacheville Challenge
Coming off a Popcorn Classic title, the Valpo volleyball team faces its third early-season tournament of the nonconference slate this weekend, as the Beacons travel to Clarksville, Tenn. for Austin Peay's Stacheville Challenge. Valpo will take on Indiana and Lindenwood in addition to the host Governors.
9/3/2023
Ravotto MVP of Popcorn Classic; Blackketter, Januski Earn All-Tournament Honors
The Valpo volleyball team had a trio of players honored for their contributions to the Beacons’ Popcorn Classic championship with spots on the All-Tournament Team. Fifth-year outside hitter Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was tabbed Tournament MVP and was joined on the All-Tournament Team by senior right side Olivia Blackketter (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South [Winthrop]) and senior middle hitter Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais).
9/2/2023
Valpo Volleyball Wins Popcorn Classic with Sweep of Oakland
The Valpo volleyball team once again walked away with the hardware from its home tournament, as the Beacons closed a perfect 3-0 weekend hosting the Popcorn Classic at the ARC with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-22) sweep of Oakland on Saturday evening.
9/1/2023
Volleyball Wins Pair of Matches to Open Popcorn Classic Friday
The Valpo volleyball team kicked off the 2023 Popcorn Classic at the ARC Friday with a pair of victories, defeating Western Illinois 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18) in the tournament opener Friday morning before coming back in the evening and twice overcoming one-set deficits for a 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-14, 15-6) victory over Eastern Michigan. In the latter match, senior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) posted the third-best hitting percentage in a five-set match in program history.
8/29/2023
Volleyball Drops Big Ten Battle Tuesday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team took to the road for a matchup against Big Ten foe Illinois Tuesday evening, but fell to the host Fighting Illini, 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-19).
8/28/2023
Volleyball Takes On Illinois, Hosts Popcorn Classic
The Valpo volleyball team takes on the first of two Big Ten opponents this year on Tuesday when it travels to Illinois before returning home to host the Popcorn Classic this coming weekend. The Beacons welcome Western Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Oakland to town for the two-day, six-match event.
8/27/2023
Strongman, Warren Represent Valpo on All-Tournament Team
The Valpo volleyball team placed a pair of players on the All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of the EIU Volleyball Invitational on opening weekend, as the Beacons were represented by fifth-year middle Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) and redshirt sophomore right side Sam Warren (Kentland, Ind./South Newton).
8/26/2023
Valpo Volleyball Sweeps ULM to Close Opening Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team ended the EIU Volleyball Invitational in Charleston, Ill. on a high note Saturday afternoon, sweeping ULM (25-21, 25-19, 25-13) for its second victory of the weekend. Fifth-year Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) tied Valpo’s single-match record for service aces in the 25-point era with five and did so in awesome fashion, closing the match with five aces on her final six serves.
8/25/2023
Valpo Volleyball Splits on Opening Day at EIU
The Valpo volleyball team came within one set of winning both matches on its opening day of action at the EIU Volleyball Invitational in Charleston, Ill. on Friday, but after sweeping Akron 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in their morning match, the Beacons dropped a 3-2 (18-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-21, 15-4) decision to the host Panthers in the nightcap.
8/23/2023
Volleyball Set to Open 2023 This Weekend at EIU
Coming off of its third postseason appearance in the last five years last season, the Valpo volleyball team kicks off the 2023 campaign this weekend at the EIU Volleyball Invitational presented by Unique Suites. The Beacons will be taking on Akron and ULM in addition to the host Panthers.
8/23/2023
Volleyball Adds Laura Ilizastigui For 2023 Season
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that the program has added Laura Ilizastigui as a graduate transfer for the 2023 season. Ilizastigui most recently played two seasons at Chicago State.
8/16/2023
Valpo Volleyball Picked Sixth in MVC Preseason Poll
Coming off of its third postseason appearance in the last five seasons, the Valpo volleyball team has been picked to finish in sixth place in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2023, according to preseason polling of the conference’s head coaches.
7/18/2023
Valpo Announces 2023 Volleyball Schedule
Coming off its third postseason appearance in the last five seasons, the Valpo volleyball program released its schedule for the upcoming 2023 season today — a schedule which features 12 home matches at the ARC.
7/17/2023
Valpo Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award, Named to Team Academic Honor Roll
The Valpo volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2022-23 academic year, as announced by the AVCA. It marks the 18th time in the last 20 seasons that the program has earned the award. In addition, Valpo was named to the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative team GPA which ranks among the top 20% of Division I programs.
6/20/2023
Eastman Joins Volleyball Program as Graduate Assistant
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Matt Eastman has joined the program’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant heading into the 2023 season.
1/11/2023
Maddie Moan Joins Valpo Volleyball Program
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Maddie Moan, a 6-1 attacker from Woodstock, Ill., has transferred to Valparaiso University and joined the program for the spring semester after playing her freshman season this past fall at Milwaukee.
12/6/2022
Volleyball Announces Addition of Kendal Ramey
The Valpo volleyball program is adding another incoming freshman for the 2023 campaign, as defensive specialist Kendal Ramey will join the Beacons next fall.
12/1/2022
Volleyball Falls to Ohio in NIVC Opening Round
The Valpo volleyball team saw its 2022 season come to a close Thursday evening in Athens, Ohio, falling in straight sets in the opening round of the NIVC to host Ohio (25-19, 25-11, 25-17).
11/29/2022
Volleyball Set For 2022 NIVC
For the third time in the last five seasons, the Valpo volleyball program heads to postseason play after earning an at-large bid to the 2022 NIVC. The Beacons will travel to Athens, Ohio for the tournament's first two rounds, taking on host Ohio in opening-round action on Thursday before a potential second-round matchup against either Central Michigan or Xavier on Friday.
11/28/2022
Volleyball Places Three Student-Athletes on MVC Scholar-Athlete Teams
The Valpo volleyball program was represented by a trio of student-athletes as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its Scholar-Athlete teams on Monday. Gretchen Kuckkan (Lafayette, Ind./Central Catholic [Indiana State]) and Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) were named Scholar-Athlete First Team honorees, while Jillie Grant (Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) received Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention recognition.
11/27/2022
Valpo Volleyball Earns Bid to 2022 NIVC; Faces Ohio in First Round
The Valpo volleyball program returns to the postseason for the second consecutive season and the third time in the last five years, as the Beacons learned they had earned an at-large bid to the 2022 National Invitational Volleyball Championship on Sunday evening. Valpo will make the trip to Athens, Ohio for the tournament’s first two rounds and will face host Ohio on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. CT.
11/23/2022
Strongman Earns MVC All-Tournament Team Spot
Valpo volleyball senior middle Miranda Strongman (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central [LIU]) represented the Beacons on the MVC All-Tournament Team for her stellar work on both sides of the net in Valpo’s pair of tournament matches.
11/22/2022
Four Valpo Volleyball Players Named Academic All-District
The Valpo volleyball program had four players recognized as Academic All-District honorees as College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) released its women’s soccer Academic All-District roll on Tuesday.
11/21/2022
Volleyball Knocked Out of MVC Championship by UIC
After winning its tournament opener on Sunday, the sixth-seeded Valpo volleyball team was eliminated by third-seeded UIC in second round action at the MVC Championship in Evansville, Ind. on Monday evening, as the Flames defeated the Beacons in straight sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-17).
11/20/2022
Volleyball Sweeps Murray State in Opening Round of MVC Championship
There might be no more perfect ending to a match to epitomize the spirit of the Valpo volleyball program than what occurred Sunday evening, as a diving pancake by Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) led directly to a kill as the sixth-seeded Beacons closed out a 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 26-24) sweep of seventh-seeded Murray State in the opening round of the 2022 MVC Championship in Evansville, Ind. With the win, Valpo advances to play third-seeded UIC in second-round action Monday evening at 6 p.m.
11/19/2022
Hickey Earns Pair of Postseason Honors
One of the nation’s most prolific liberos, Valpo volleyball freshman Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) picked up a pair of honors Saturday as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its postseason awards. Hickey earned a spot both on the All-MVC Second Team and the MVC All-Freshman Team.
11/17/2022
Volleyball Set for 2022 MVC Championship
The Valpo volleyball team heads to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Evansville early next week. With this season's new tournament format, the sixth-seeded Beacons will have to win four matches in four days to claim the tournament title, starting with a Sunday evening matchup against seventh-seeded Murray State.
11/17/2022
Valpo Coaches Show: Carin Avery
Valpo Volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show to discuss the last few weeks of the regular season, the play of Emma Hickey and Mallory Januski and preview the upcoming MVC Championship.
11/16/2022
Volleyball Falls in Battle with UIC to Close Regular Season
The Valpo volleyball team held off multiple UIC match points in the third set of the regular season finale Wednesday evening at the ARC to extend the match and had an opportunity to send the match to a fifth set, but at the end, the Flames earned a 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 29-31, 29-27) victory over the Beacons. Freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) broke both the Valpo and the MVC freshman single-season digs record, while junior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) broke her career high in the kills department.
11/15/2022
Volleyball Signs Three Incoming Freshmen
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that a trio of talented high school seniors — Kennedy Arp, Jessica Pickett and Mara Thomas – have signed to join the Beacon volleyball program as freshmen for the 2023 season.
11/14/2022
Volleyball Closes Regular Season at ARC Wednesday Night
Already in the MVC Tournament field, the Valpo volleyball team closes out the regular season on Wednesday evening when it hosts UIC at the ARC.
11/12/2022
Beacons Fall to Illinois State on Senior Night
On a Senior Night where the Valpo volleyball program was celebrating four players who will wrap up their collegiate careers in the coming weeks, the Beacons attempted to make it back-to-back come-from-behind victories. But visiting Illinois State spoiled the party, earning a 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-22, 27-25) victory over Valpo Saturday evening.
11/11/2022
Volleyball Comes From Behind for Five-Set Win Over Bradley
It was a typical battle in Missouri Valley Conference action at the ARC Friday night, and while the Valpo volleyball team trailed Bradley after three sets, 2-1, the Beacons kept at it to extend the match to a fifth set, where they completed the 3-2 (25-27, 25-23, 19-25, 25-21, 15-11) come-from-behind victory. The win, which secured Valpo a berth in the MVC Tournament, was highlighted by a career best in kills from senior right side Maddy Boyer (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) and by freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) coming just one dig away from the program’s single-match record.
11/9/2022
Volleyball Hosts Senior Night Saturday as Part of Home Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team will play its final three matches of the regular season at home at the ARC, starting this weekend with matches against Bradley on Friday and Illinois State on Saturday. The match versus the Redbirds will serve as the program's Senior Night, as the Beacons honor four players wrapping up their collegiate careers.
11/7/2022
Januski Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valpo volleyball junior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Week following her record-setting blocking performance last Saturday at Murray State.
11/5/2022
Comeback Effort Comes Up Just Short For Volleyball at Murray State
After dropping the first two sets Saturday afternoon at Murray State, the Valpo volleyball team stormed back to take sets three and four to force a decisive fifth frames, but the Racers came away with the 3-2 (25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 22-25, 15-10) victory. Junior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) dominated defensively at the net with 13 blocks, the most by a Valpo player in nearly two decades.
11/4/2022
Volleyball Hits 20-Win Mark with Win at Belmont
It’s a milestone that has become routine for the Valpo volleyball program, yet still impressive when the Beacons hit it each season, as this year’s squad reached the 20-win mark for the year Friday evening with a 3-1 victory (25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 25-16) at Belmont. Along with the team milestone, junior Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) hit an individual mark as well, surpassing 2,000 career assists in the victory.
11/2/2022
Valpo Coaches Show: Carin Avery
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery joined the Valpo Coaches Show this week to talk about the season to date, how they've been able to succeed despite last year's strong graduating class, the depth of this year's team, and more!
11/1/2022
Volleyball Hits Road For Final Time in Regular Season
With the regular season schedule starting to hit the home stretch, the Valpo volleyball team faces its final road trip of the season this weekend, trekking south to face off with MVC newcomers Belmont and Murray State.
10/29/2022
Volleyball Bounces Back, Sweeps Indiana State
The Valpo volleyball team bounced back from Friday night’s loss in a big way Saturday evening, putting together one of its top offensive performances of the season in a 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-18) sweep of Indiana State at the ARC.
10/28/2022
Volleyball Falls to Evansville Friday
Playing on its home court for the first time in three weekends Friday night, the Valpo volleyball team dropped a 3-1 (25-17, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20) decision to visiting Evansville at the ARC.
10/26/2022
Volleyball Returns Home For Pair of Matches This Weekend
Coming off of two weekends on the road, the Valpo volleyball team will play five of its final seven regular season matches at home. The closing stretch begins this weekend as the Beacons host Evansville on Friday and Indiana State on Saturday.
10/25/2022
Volleyball Raising Money For Rin Seibert Scholarship
Saturday evening, the Valpo volleyball program will host its annual Dig for the Cure match in memory of all those who have battled cancer, and along with that, will be raising money all weekend long for the Rin Seibert Scholarship.
10/22/2022
Resilient Beacons Earn Four-Set Win at SIU
Once again playing shorthanded and completing a grueling stretch of four consecutive road matches over the last two weekends, the Valpo volleyball team dug deep on Saturday evening with a well-rounded team effort to overcome a one-set deficit and earn a 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-22) victory at third-place Southern Illinois.
10/21/2022
Shorthanded Beacons Fall at Missouri State
Down a pair of regulars and having to change their offensive system for the first time this year, the Valpo volleyball team fought gamely Friday evening at Missouri State before falling to the Bears, 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17).
10/19/2022
Volleyball Kicks Off Second Half of MVC Schedule On the Road
The Valpo volleyball team opens the second half of the MVC schedule with another challenging road weekend, as the Beacons will trek down to Missouri State Friday night and then hit Southern Illinois on their way back Saturday evening.
10/15/2022
Beacons Drop Four-Set Match at MVC Leader UNI Saturday
The Valpo volleyball team claimed the first set at MVC leading UNI Saturday night in Cedar Falls, Iowa and had a couple opportunities to take the third set, but the Beacons eventually fell in a 3-1 final (20-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-18) to the host Panthers.
10/14/2022
Valpo Volleyball Falls at Drake Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team had its four-match winning streak come to an end at the hands of host Drake Friday evening in Des Moines, Iowa, as the Bulldogs earned a 3-1 (25-17, 25-27, 25-14, 25-17) victory.
10/12/2022
Volleyball Looks to Carry Momentum Onto the Road
A challenging road trip awaits the Valpo volleyball team this weekend as it hits the halfway mark of the MVC schedule. The weekend opens Friday evening at a Drake squad which the Beacons are tied for second place in the MVC standings with, and continues Saturday night at first-place UNI.
10/10/2022
Hickey Earns MVC Defensive Player of the Week Honor
It has been quite the start to the collegiate career of Valpo freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn), and after posting her most productive weekend of the season to date last weekend in a pair of Beacon victories, she was recognized on Monday as the MVC Defensive Player of the Week.
10/8/2022
Beacons Outlast Bruins in Saturday Night Thriller
It was a vintage Valpo volleyball match at the ARC Saturday evening — strong defense, extended rallies, highs and lows throughout the contest. And when the dust settled against MVC newcomer Belmont, it was the Beacons who emerged victorious, downing the Bruins in five sets (25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 22-25, 15-9) for their 17th win of the season and their fourth victory in a row.
10/7/2022
Total Team Effort for Volleyball in Win Over Murray State Friday
The Valpo volleyball team received contributions all the way up and down its roster Friday evening at the ARC in a 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-11) sweep of visiting Murray State in MVC action. With the win, the Beacons are tied for the D-I national lead with 16 victories on the season and have already clinched a winning season.
10/5/2022
Volleyball Returns to ARC This Weekend
Coming off of a sweep of the central Illinois road trip last weekend, the Valpo volleyball team returns home to the ARC this weekend to face a pair of conference newcomers. Murray State will visit the ARC on Friday night, while the Beacons welcome Belmont to town on Saturday evening.
10/3/2022
Hickey Named MVC Freshman of the Week
Another stellar week anchoring the back row resulted in Valpo freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn) earning Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week honors on Monday.
10/1/2022
Volleyball Completes Winning Weekend With Five-Set Triumph at Bradley
For the first time since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, the Valpo volleyball team posted a 2-0 record on a weekend road swing through central Illinois, battling on Saturday evening for a five-set victory (25-22, 26-24, 25-27, 24-26, 15-9) at Bradley. With the win, the Beacons improve to 15-2 on the season.
9/30/2022
Volleyball Earns Road Win at Preseason Favorite Illinois State
It was quite a bounce-back performance from the Valpo volleyball team on Friday evening, as the Beacons went into Illinois State and showed the 3,257 fans in Redbird Arena just what Valpo Volleyball is all about, striking down the preseason favorite Redbirds in four sets (25-14, 17-25, 25-16, 25-13).
9/28/2022
Volleyball Heads to Illinois State, Bradley This Weekend
A busy stretch to open conference play for the Valpo volleyball team continues with a pair of road matches this weekend, as the Beacons play at Illinois State on Friday night and at Bradley on Saturday evening. Once the weekend is complete, Valpo will have played its first five MVC matches in a nine-day stretch.
9/26/2022
Beacons Fall Monday at UIC
The Valpo volleyball team dropped its MVC road opener Monday evening at UIC, falling in straight sets (25-12, 25-16, 25-14) to the Flames.
9/24/2022
Volleyball Earns Dramatic Homecoming Saturday Win
The Valpo volleyball team did its part to make sure it was a perfect Homecoming Saturday on campus, completing the sweep of the day’s two athletic events with a dramatic 3-2 (21-25, 28-26, 25-20, 15-25, 17-15) victory over Drake Saturday evening at the ARC.
9/23/2022
Volleyball Suffers First Defeat of Season Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team had a match point in the fourth set of Friday night’s match at the ARC against visiting UNI to extend its school-record start to the season, but the Panthers came back to take the set and eventually emerged 3-2 victors (14-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-27, 15-9) in the MVC opener for both squads. The defeat snapped the Beacons’ 12-match winning streak to open the campaign.
9/21/2022
Volleyball Set For Three Matches in Four Days to Open MVC Play
A perfect run through the nonconference schedule culminated last weekend in Valpo's fourth consecutive tournament title, but now the Beacons turn their attention to the challenges that come with Missouri Valley Conference play. The MVC slate opens with three matches in four days, as Valpo will host UNI Friday night and Drake Saturday night before making the short trip to Chicago to take on UIC Monday evening.
9/19/2022
Januski Named MVC Player of the Week
Following an outstanding all-around weekend which culminated in Tournament MVP honors at the Roadrunner Classic, Valpo junior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) was named the MVC Player of the Week on Monday.
9/18/2022
Januski MVP of Roadrunner Classic; Bulmahn, Kois All-Tournament
After enjoying a lethal weekend on the attack which included an entry in Valpo’s single-match record book, junior middle Mallory Januski (Bourbonnais, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais) was honored as Tournament MVP of the Roadrunner Classic. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by setters Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) and Addy Kois (Osceola, Ind./Penn), as the duo kept the Beacons offense running at a high level all weekend.
9/17/2022
Volleyball Wins Fourth Straight Tournament With Sweep of Houston Baptist
The Valpo volleyball team put the proverbial cherry on top of a perfect run through the pre-conference portion of its schedule on Saturday, sweeping Houston Baptist (25-21, 25-22, 25-20) to win the Roadrunner Classic in San Antonio, Texas. The tournament title is the fourth of the season for the Beacons, setting a program record for most in-season tournaments won in a single campaign, and extended the best start in program history to 12-0.
9/16/2022
Volleyball Stands Alone With Best Start in Program History, Wins Twice Friday
The 2022 Valpo volleyball team is the only one in program history to win at least 10 consecutive matches to start a season, as the Beacons improved to 11-0 on Friday with a pair of victories on the first day of competition at the Roadrunner Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Valpo survived a comeback attempt from Incarnate Word to earn a 3-2 (25-15, 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 15-8) victory in the tournament opener and then took down tournament host UTSA in straight sets (25-17, 25-16, 25-19) in the nightcap Friday night.
9/15/2022
Volleyball Goes For Fourth Tournament Title at UTSA
With all its success over the years, there's not too many firsts left for the Valpo volleyball program to accomplish, but this weekend could bring one of them, as the Beacons look for an unprecedented sweep of four in-season tournaments in the same season as they travel to the Roadrunner Classic. With a win in the opener versus UIW, this year's team would also stand alone for the best start to a season in program history.
9/12/2022
Ravotto Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
For the second time this season, the Valpo volleyball team boasts the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week, as the MVC announced Monday afternoon that senior Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) claimed this week’s defensive honor.
9/10/2022
Volleyball Matches Best Start in Program History, Wins Akron Invitational
The Valpo volleyball team continued its early-season run on Saturday, clinching the Akron Invitational championship with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-11) victory at Cleveland State. With the win, the Beacons improve to 9-0 on the season and match the 2015 team for the longest winning streak to start a season in program history.
9/9/2022
Volleyball Improves to 8-0 With Pair of Wins Friday
The Valpo volleyball team extended its winning streak to eight consecutive matches to open the 2022 campaign Friday in Akron, Ohio at the Akron Invitational, utilizing the entire squad to take down Morgan State, 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-13), in the morning match and then grinding out a four-set win over the host Zips (21-25, 25-14, 25-18, 28-26) in the evening. The pair of wins moves the Beacons within one win of matching the best start to a season in program history.
9/7/2022
Volleyball Aims For Third Straight Tournament Title
At the halfway point of the nonconference slate, it's two weekends down and two tournament titles for the Valpo volleyball program. The Beacons look to make it three straight championships this weekend as they travel to Ohio for an event co-hosted by Akron and Cleveland State, where they will face Morgan State in addition to the two hosts.
9/4/2022
Kuckkan MVP of Popcorn Classic; Boyer, Cooper All-Tournament
On the heels of a tremendous performance to help Valpo claim the tournament championship, senior Gretchen Kuckkan (Lafayette, Ind./Central Catholic [Indiana State]) was named Tournament MVP of the Popcorn Classic. Kuckkan was joined on the All-Tournament Team by fellow seniors Maddy Boyer (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) and Kara Cooper (LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte).
9/3/2022
Valpo Wins Popcorn Classic Behind Monster Effort From Kuckkan
Two weekends, two tournament titles for the Valpo volleyball program, as the Beacons completed a perfect weekend at the ARC in their own Popcorn Classic with a 3-1 (33-31, 25-21, 18-25, 25-15) victory over Northern Illinois to claim the tournament championship. Saturday’s win was led by a career performance from senior Gretchen Kuckkan (Lafayette, Ind./Central Catholic [Indiana State]), who hit .489 with 25 kills — tied for fourth-most in a four-set match in the 25-point scoring era.
9/2/2022
Volleyball Wins Pair in Popcorn Classic Action Friday
The Valpo volleyball team got its home tournament started on a winning note on Friday at the ARC, winning its first two matches of the Popcorn Classic. The Beacons opened the tournament Friday morning with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-23) victory over SIUE, and the evening match brought a thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 (24-26, 25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 15-10) win against Campbell.
8/31/2022
Volleyball Ready to Host Popcorn Classic
Coming off of a successful opening weekend in which it claimed a tournament title, the Valpo volleyball team aims to keep the momentum rolling as it opens the home slate this weekend by hosting the Popcorn Classic. The Beacons welcome SIUE, Campbell and Northern Illinois to town for the two-day, six-match event.
8/29/2022
Emma Hickey Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
For Valpo volleyball freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn), a memorable first weekend of collegiate competition culminated in yet another award on Monday, as Hickey was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the opening weekend of action.
8/28/2022
Swistek Named MVP of Youngstown Invitational; Ravotto, Hickey All-Tournament
Three members of the Valpo volleyball team received special notice for their efforts in helping the Beacons win the DoubleTree-Youngstown Invitational on the opening weekend of the 2022 season, highlighted by the selection of sophomore Elise Swistek (LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie) as Tournament MVP. Swistek was joined on the All-Tournament Team by senior Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) and freshman Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn).
8/27/2022
Volleyball Claims Youngstown Invitational Title
Make more room in the trophy case – the Valpo volleyball program has won yet another tournament championship. This time, the Beacons claimed top honors at the DoubleTree-Youngstown Invitational on Saturday afternoon by taking down host Youngstown State in four sets (25-18, 21-25, 25-10, 25-18) to make it a happy bus ride home.
8/26/2022
Volleyball Delivers Winning Start to 2022 Season
It might be a new season, but at least on opening day of the 2022 campaign, it’s the same results you’ve come to know and love from the Valpo volleyball program. The Beacons kicked off the season with a pair of wins Friday at the DoubleTree-Youngstown Invitational in Youngstown, Ohio, dispatching Delaware State, 3-1 (25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21), in the season opener before sweeping Idaho (25-16, 25-19, 25-15) later that afternoon.
8/25/2022
Volleyball Set To Open 2022 Campaign
Coming off of one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Valpo volleyball program begins the 2022 campaign this weekend with an appearance at the DoubleTree-Youngstown Invitational. The season kicks off Friday with matches versus Delaware State and Idaho before the Beacons face former Horizon League foe Youngstown State on Saturday.
8/17/2022
Volleyball Picked Fifth in Preseason Poll
Coming off of one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Valpo volleyball program has been chosen to finish in fifth place in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2022, as the MVC released its preseason poll on Wednesday morning.
7/18/2022
Valpo Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valpo volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2021-22 academic year, as announced by the AVCA today. It marks the 17th time in the last 19 seasons that the program has earned the award.
7/8/2022
Volleyball Releases 2022 Season Schedule
The Valpo volleyball team will play 12 regular season home matches at the ARC during the 2022 season, as the program unveiled its schedule for the upcoming season Friday. The Beacons enter 2022 coming off of one of the most successful campaigns in program history, as they won 26 matches and advanced to the final of the NIVC a season ago.
4/8/2022
Carin Avery Signs New Multi-Year Contract
One of the most successful coaches in Valpo Athletics history, Carin Avery will continue to lead the Valpo Volleyball program into the future, as Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Avery has signed a new multi-year contract.
3/25/2022
Miranda Strongman to Join Valpo Volleyball Program
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Miranda Strongman, a middle hitter from Wolverine Lake, Mich., will join the Beacons’ program as a graduate transfer for the 2022 season. Strongman, the sister of former Valpo men’s swimmer Brett, played her first three years of collegiate volleyball for LIU and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
1/17/2022
Sophia Foster Signs With Valpo Volleyball Program
A local prep star will stay close to home, as Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Sophia Foster, a 5-7 outside hitter from Kouts H.S., has signed with Valpo and will join the Beacon program as a freshman for the 2022 season.
1/11/2022
Olivia Blackketter Joins Valpo Volleyball
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Olivia Blackketter (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) has transferred to Valpo and will be immediately eligible to play in the fall of 2021. A 6-2 middle, Blackketter played her first two collegiate seasons at Winthrop.
12/15/2021
Cookerly Named to CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team
In the culmination of a stellar career at Valpo, both on the court and in the classroom, fifth-year libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was one of just 10 Division I players selected Wednesday to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team.
12/12/2021
Volleyball Season Comes to End With Runner-Up Finish in NIVC
The Valpo volleyball team came up one step shy of claiming the first postseason tournament championship in program history on Sunday night in front of 2,220 fans at the ARC, as the Beacons finished as 2021 NIVC runner-ups behind visiting UNLV, which earned a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-18) victory in the tournament championship match. Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) and Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team, while Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) finished her career in second place in NCAA D-I history in career digs.
12/11/2021
Volleyball Ready to Host NIVC Title Match Sunday
The Valpo volleyball team takes to the court for the championship match of the 2021 NIVC on Sunday evening, facing off against UNLV at the ARC. Valpo is in search of its first postseason championship in the history of Valpo Athletics and would be the first program outside the Power Five to win the NIVC since 1994.
12/10/2021
Volleyball Sweeps UConn In Front Of Raucous Crowd; Advances to NIVC Title Match
The Valpo volleyball team, buoyed by tremendous fan turnout and support Friday evening at the ARC, swept three closely-contested sets from UConn in the semifinals of the 2021 NIVC to advance to the tournament championship match. Valpo will host UNLV for the crown on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the ARC.
12/9/2021
Volleyball Faces UConn In NIVC Semifinal Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team looks to continue its run in the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship on Friday night, as the Beacons host a semifinal match at the ARC against UConn, with a berth in the tournament title match on the line.
12/8/2021
Volleyball To Host Semifinal of NIVC Friday Night
The road to the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship title will continue to roll down Union Street later this week, as it was announced that the Valpo volleyball program will host an NIVC semifinal match at the ARC Friday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale Wednesday beginning at noon.
12/6/2021
Volleyball Sweeps Its Way Into NIVC Semifinals
The date and opponent might have changed, but the rocking venue and the result sure didn’t. The Valpo volleyball team continued its run through the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship in front of its ardent fanbase at the ARC on Monday evening with a dominant 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-17) sweep of Evansville. The victory gives Valpo the most postseason wins in a season in program history and sends the Beacons into a semifinal later this week, with date, location and opponent to be determined.
12/5/2021
Volleyball Hosts Evansville in NIVC Quarterfinal Monday
The Valpo volleyball team looks to continue its run in the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship on Monday night, as the Beacons host a quarterfinal match at the ARC against fellow MVC program Evansville for a spot in the tournament semifinals.
12/3/2021
Volleyball Continues NIVC Run With Sweep of Toledo Friday
The beat marches on for the Valpo volleyball team, as it continued its run in the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) sweep of Toledo Friday night at the ARC to advance to the tournament quarterfinals. The Beacons will get to remain at home for next round’s action as well, as it was announced after the match they will host MVC foe Evansville at the ARC on Monday evening at 7 p.m.
12/2/2021
Valpo Sweeps Butler in First Round of NIVC; Set to Face Toledo Friday
The Valpo volleyball team made quick work of longtime rival Butler in the first round of the 2021 NIVC Thursday evening at the ARC, sweeping the Bulldogs (25-23, 25-17, 25-16) for the third postseason victory in program history. With the win, the Beacons advance to face Toledo — five-set winners over Indiana State in Thursday’s first match — with a quarterfinal berth on the line Friday evening.
11/30/2021
Volleyball To Open NIVC Action From the ARC Thursday
The Valpo volleyball team heads to postseason play for the eighth time in program history and hosts postseason tournament action for the first time at the ARC this week as it welcomes Toledo, Indiana State and Butler to town for the first and second rounds of the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The Beacons start their tournament play against Butler on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.
11/28/2021
Volleyball Earns Bid to 2021 NIVC; Set to Host First Two Rounds at the ARC
For the first time in program history, the Valpo volleyball team will host postseason tournament action, as it was announced Sunday evening that Valpo has earned a bid to the 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) and will be a host for the first two rounds of tournament play. The Beacons will welcome Toledo, Indiana State and Butler to the ARC and will face Butler in the first round on Thursday night, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
11/27/2021
McCarthy Named to MVC All-Tournament Team
Fifth-year middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) represented the Valpo volleyball team on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team as the conference unveiled the squad following the tournament’s conclusion Saturday.
11/26/2021
Volleyball Falls in MVC Semifinal In Five-Set Battle With Loyola
The fourth-seeded Valpo volleyball team battled toe-to-toe with top-seeded Loyola in MVC Tournament semifinal action Friday afternoon in Normal, Ill., but the Ramblers claimed the key final points as the Beacons dropped a 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 26-24, 18-25, 15-13) decision. Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) moved into second place in program history in career blocks early in the match.
11/25/2021
Avery Earns 500th Collegiate Win; Volleyball Advances to MVC Semifinals
The Valpo volleyball team moved one step closer to claiming the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference championship on Thanksgiving afternoon, winning its first-round match over Evansville by a 3-1 (25-20, 16-25, 25-22, 25-17) final. With the victory, Valpo head coach Carin Avery earned the 500th victory of her collegiate coaching career.
11/25/2021
Hart Named First Team All-MVC; Four Valpo Players Earn Honors
Valpo volleyball senior middle hitter Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) earned a spot on the All-MVC First Team as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its postseason awards Thursday morning. Fifth-year libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) and fifth-year middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) represented the Beacons on the All-MVC Second Team, while freshman outside Elise Swistek (LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie) earned All-Freshman Team recognition.
11/23/2021
Valpo Set For 2021 MVC Championship
The Valpo volleyball team heads to the MVC Championship after finishing in a tie for third place in the final regular season standings. The Beacons will be the fourth seed for the tournament and will open play Thanksgiving afternoon against fifth-seeded Evansville, needing three victories to claim the title.
11/23/2021
Four Valpo Players Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Teams
The Valpo volleyball team tied for conference-high honors Tuesday as four players earned spots on the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Teams. Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) were both First Team Scholar-Athlete honorees, while Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) and Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) earned spots on the Honorable Mention Team for their work on the court and in the classroom.
11/22/2021
Hart, Swistek Claim MVC Weekly Awards
After earning wins on both ends of the Iowa road trip to conclude regular season play, the Valpo volleyball team earned two of the MVC’s three weekly awards on Monday. Senior middle Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week, while freshman outside Elise Swistek (LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie) earned Freshman of the Week accolades.
11/20/2021
Volleyball Closes Regular Season Tied For Third After Win at Drake
The Valpo volleyball team secured its best regular season finish since joining the Missouri Valley Conference on Saturday evening in the regular season finale at Drake, winning a 3-1 (25-18, 27-25, 21-25, 25-20) battle over the Bulldogs. The win moved Valpo into a tie for third place in the final MVC standings, and the Beacons will be the fourth seed for next week’s MVC Tournament.
11/19/2021
Volleyball Hits 20-Win Mark With Win at UNI Friday
The Valpo volleyball team earned its first-ever win in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday evening, and with it, reached the 20-win milestone for the 16th time in the last 20 seasons as the Beacons earned a 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17) victory over UNI. The victory keeps Valpo’s shot at a potential third seed in the upcoming MVC Tournament alive.
11/18/2021
Cookerly Earns Fourth Academic All-District Honor
For the fourth time in her career, Valpo volleyball libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has been named a CoSIDA Academic All-District V honoree, as she was selected to the First Team as released by CoSIDA today. She is now eligible for Academic All-America consideration.
11/17/2021
Volleyball Hits Up UNI, Drake For Final Regular Season Weekend
The final week of regular season action sees Valpo head west for the Iowa road swing, as the Beacons play at UNI on Friday evening and at Drake on Saturday evening. Having already secured at least the fourth seed for the upcoming MVC Tournament, one win this weekend would get Valpo to the 20-win mark, while two victories guarantees a tie for third place in the standings and a shot at the third seed.
11/15/2021
Cookerly Earns State Farm MVC Good Neighbor Award
Valpo volleyball libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was named the athletic department’s fall recipient of the State Farm MVC Good Neighbor Award for her work in the classroom and in the community as the conference office announced the fall season honorees Monday.
11/13/2021
Volleyball Seniors Go Out Winners at Home With Victory Over Bradley
Playing in their final home match of their careers at the ARC Saturday evening, the Valpo volleyball senior class went out victorious, taking down Bradley by a 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-18, 25-19) final. All five seniors had strong performances, including Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) reaching yet another milestone as she hit the 3,000-dig mark for her career.
11/12/2021
Volleyball Drops Four-Set Decision to Illinois State
The Valpo volleyball team suffered its first home loss of the 2021 campaign on Friday evening, as visiting Illinois State came into the ARC and dealt the Beacons a 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14) defeat.
11/11/2021
Volleyball Signs Pair of Incoming Freshmen
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Claire Campbell and Emma Hickey have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the volleyball program as freshmen for the 2022 season.
11/9/2021
Volleyball to Play Final Two Home Matches, Celebrate Senior Night
With just two weekends of regular season play remaining, every match is critical for the Valpo volleyball team - especially this weekend’s contests, as the two teams immediately ahead of the Beacons in the MVC standings come to town in the form of Illinois State and Bradley. Valpo will hold its annual Senior Night ceremony following Saturday’s match, honoring the five team members who will have played on the ARC floor for the final time.
11/5/2021
Volleyball Continues Perfect Home Run With Sweep of Loyola
The Valpo volleyball team improved to a perfect 7-0 at home this season with a convincing 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 26-24) sweep of visiting Loyola, which entered the match atop the MVC standings, Friday evening at the ARC.
11/3/2021
Volleyball Hosts Loyola Friday Night
Just one match is on the docket for the Valpo volleyball team this week, but it’s a big one, as conference-leading Loyola comes to town. The Beacons look to remain perfect on their home court at the ARC this season with just three home matches remaining.
11/1/2021
Volleyball Remains Perfect at Home, Tops UNI Monday
The Valpo volleyball team improved to a perfect 6-0 at the Athletics-Recreation Center this season and solidified its spot in the top half of the MVC standings with a 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 23-25, 25-16) victory over visiting UNI on Monday evening.
10/30/2021
Volleyball Drops Match at Indiana State Saturday
The Valpo volleyball team’s quest to sweep the regular season series from both MVC in-state foes came up one step short on Saturday in Terre Haute, as host Indiana State came away with a 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 25-20) victory.
10/29/2021
Volleyball Earns Key Road Win Over Evansville Friday
Led by a record book-worthy performance on the attack from fifth-year middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton), the Valpo volleyball team earned a big road victory at Evansville Friday night, downing the Purple Aces by a 3-1 (25-13, 9-25, 25-20, 25-22) final. The win is even more impressive considering that Evansville had swept each of its first six home matches this season.
10/26/2021
Volleyball Preps For Three Matches Over Four Days
The second half of Valley play comes flying in fast and furious this weekend, as Valpo faces three matches in a four-day stretch. The Beacons will hit the road to take on their fellow Indiana programs on Friday (Evansville) and Saturday (Indiana State) before returning home Monday evening to face UNI for the first time this season.
10/25/2021
McCarthy Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Following a weekend of action during which she made her mark on the Valpo volleyball record book in multiple ways, fifth-year middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon.
10/23/2021
Volleyball Closes Perfect Weekend With Sweep of SIU
In stark contrast to the previous night’s match at the ARC, the Valpo volleyball team comfortably controlled most of Saturday evening’s MVC match against Southern Illinois, taking down the Salukis in straight sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-19) to close out a perfect weekend at home.
10/22/2021
Volleyball Wins Key Points Late in Sweep of Missouri State
Friday night’s match at the ARC was about as tight as a three-set match could be, featuring the highest number of lead changes in a single Valpo match since 2002. But at the end of each of the three sets, it was the Beacons claiming the key points, as Valpo earned the 3-0 sweep (25-20, 25-23, 25-21) of visiting Missouri State to snap a three-match losing streak and remain perfect at home this season.
10/20/2021
Volleyball Hits Halfway Mark of MVC Play at ARC This Weekend
Valpo moves past the halfway mark of the MVC schedule this weekend as it returns home to the ARC to host a pair of matches during the campus’ Family Weekend. The Beacons will welcome Missouri State to the ARC Friday evening and Southern Illinois on Saturday evening. The program will be raising money for the Rin Seibert Scholarship both nights.
10/18/2021
Volleyball Raising Money For Rin Seibert Scholarship
Friday evening, the Valpo volleyball program will host its annual Dig for the Cure match in memory of all those who have battled cancer, and along with that, will all weekend be raising money for the Rin Seibert Scholarship.
10/16/2021
Volleyball Drops Five-Set Battle at Illinois State Saturday
It went right down to the wire, but for the first time in seven five-set matches this season, the Valpo volleyball team came out on the wrong end of the decisive fifth frame, as host Illinois State earned a 3-2 (25-19, 29-31, 20-25, 25-17, 15-13) win Saturday evening. During the match, fifth-year setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) moved into the top-20 in Missouri Valley Conference history in career assists.
10/15/2021
Volleyball Falls at Bradley Friday
After falling behind two sets to none, the Valpo volleyball team attempted to put together one of its trademark rallies to come from behind for a victory Friday, but host Bradley thwarted the comeback attempt in extra points in the fourth set as the Beacons fell to the Braves by a 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 19-25, 24-26) final.
10/12/2021
Volleyball Continues MVC Road Play This Weekend
For the third time in the first four weekends of MVC play, Valpo heads on the road, making the trip to central Illinois this weekend to face Bradley Friday evening and Illinois State Saturday night. The three teams are three of five separated by just a game for second through sixth place in the Valley standings approaching the halfway mark of the conference schedule.
10/8/2021
Beacons Fall at Loyola Friday Evening
In a matchup of the top two teams in the MVC standings entering the weekend, the Valpo volleyball team fell Friday evening at Loyola, 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-18).
10/6/2021
Battle For Top of Valley Friday as Volleyball Heads to Loyola
After a busy weekend of action last week, it’s a light slate for the Valpo volleyball team this week, as the Beacons face just a single match - a Friday evening contest at Loyola. The matchup pits the top two teams in the MVC standings against each other.
10/4/2021
Volleyball Outlasts Drake in Five Sets Monday; McCarthy Reaches 1,000-Kill Milestone
For the sixth time this season, the Valpo volleyball team had a match go to a decisive fifth set, and for the sixth time, it was the Beacons standing victorious at the end of the night, as Valpo took down visiting Drake at the ARC Monday evening, 3-2 (25-20, 20-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-9). Early in the first set, fifth-year middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) reached the 1,000-kill mark for her career.
10/4/2021
Hart, Cookerly Earn MVC Weekly Awards
Two wins last weekend for the Valpo volleyball team led to two Beacons being honored by Monday as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its weekly award winners. Senior middle hitter Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) was named the MVC Player of the Week and fifth-year libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was tabbed the MVC Defensive Player of the Week.
10/2/2021
Volleyball Out-Duels Evansville for Homecoming Saturday Win
A hot and humid ARC was the site for a battle in Missouri Valley Conference action Saturday evening, and when the dust settled, the Valpo volleyball team held serve on its home floor, taking down Evansville by a 3-1 (25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23) final for a Homecoming Saturday victory.
10/1/2021
Volleyball Sweeps Home Opener Over Indiana State; Cookerly Breaks MVC Digs Record
It was a spectacular way to kick off Homecoming weekend Friday evening at the ARC, as Valpo volleyball took to the court for its home opener in front of a raucous crowd and made quick work of visiting Indiana State, sweeping the Sycamores 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-21). Along the way, fifth-year libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) reached yet another milestone, becoming the Missouri Valley Conference career digs record holder.
9/29/2021
Volleyball Opens Home Slate With Three Matches in Four Days
After playing its first 13 matches of the season away from home, the Valpo volleyball team finally steps on the court at the ARC for the first time this season, hosting three matches in a four-day stretch starting Friday evening against Indiana State. Rylee Cookerly enters the weekend just four digs shy from tying and five away from passing the MVC career record in the category.
9/25/2021
Volleyball Falls at Missouri State Saturday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team came away with a split of the longest road trip in Missouri Valley Conference play on the opening weekend of the conference slate, falling on Saturday evening at Missouri State, 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 25-23).
9/24/2021
Cookerly Sets Career Digs Record; Volleyball Opens MVC Play With Win at SIU
Valpo volleyball fifth-year libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) reached the top of the mountain that is the program’s career digs chart Friday evening at Southern Illinois, surpassing Taylor Root’s program record in the category as the Beacons earned a win in their conference opener over the Salukis, 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-21, 25-17).
9/23/2021
Volleyball Opens MVC Play on the Road
The Valpo volleyball team opens up Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend with the longest road trip on the conference slate, heading south to take on Southern Illinois Friday evening before continuing on to Missouri State for a Saturday matchup.
9/18/2021
Ravotto Named MVP of Cougar Classic, Kuckkan All-Tournament
After claiming the program’s second tournament title of the season, the Valpo volleyball team placed a pair of players on the Cougar Classic All-Tournament Team. Junior Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) claimed Tournament MVP honors and was joined on the All-Tournament Team by junior Gretchen Kuckkan (Lafayette, Ind./Central Catholic [Indiana State]).
9/17/2021
Volleyball Claims Second Trophy of Season With Pair of Friday Sweeps
For a squad which had played and won a number of dramatic five-set matches in the first three weekends, the Valpo volleyball team switched gears on Friday at the SIUE Cougar Classic. It took the Beacons the minimum six sets to finish up sweeps of Western Illinois (25-11, 25-19, 25-18) and host SIUE (25-13, 25-21, 25-17) and to claim their second tournament title of the season.
9/14/2021
Volleyball Closes Pre-Conference Play Friday at SIUE
The Valpo volleyball team closes out pre-conference play this weekend at the SIUE Cougar Classic with a pair of matches, taking on Western Illinois in addition to the hosts. Both matches will be played on Friday as the Beacons wrap up their 11-match nonconference schedule.
9/11/2021
Volleyball Wins Thriller at Toledo Saturday
On its final day of action at Toledo’s Blue & Gold Classic Saturday, the Valpo volleyball team continued its dominance in five-set matches, winning a thrilling 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 26-28, 15-11) contest over the host Rockets in the early afternoon. Having to turn around and play their final tournament match just 45 minutes after the end of the marathon against Toledo, the Beacons battled in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-23) loss to South Dakota State to conclude the tournament. Senior outside Jillie Grant (Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team.
9/10/2021
Volleyball Sweeps YSU Friday For Fifth Straight Victory
The Valpo volleyball team used a total team effort to keep its momentum from last weekend rolling into this weekend, as 14 players saw action in a 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-18) sweep of Youngstown State Friday afternoon in the Beacon’s opener at Toledo’s Blue & Gold Invitational. The win is Valpo’s fifth in a row.
9/7/2021
Volleyball Looks to Carry Momentum Into Toledo This Weekend
Coming off a thrilling tournament victory at the Golden Eagle Invitational last weekend, the Valpo volleyball team takes aim at a second straight tournament title this weekend as it travels to Toledo for the Blue & Gold Tournament. The Beacons will face Youngstown State and South Dakota State in addition to the host Rockets.
9/7/2021
McCarthy Named MVC Player of the Week
Following an MVP performance last weekend at Tennessee Tech’s Golden Eagle Invitational, Valpo volleyball middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week this afternoon.
9/5/2021
Trio of Beacons Earn All-Tournament Team Honors
Three members of the Valpo volleyball team received All-Tournament Team accolades following the Beacons’ championship performance this weekend at Tennessee Tech’s Golden Eagle Invitational. Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) was tabbed the tournament MVP, while Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) joined McCarthy on the All-Tournament Team.
9/4/2021
Volleyball Wins in Dramatic Fashion, Claims Golden Eagle Invitational Title
In a microcosm of the drama of the first two weeks of the season, the Valpo volleyball team found itself down two sets Saturday morning against South Alabama, won the next two frames to force a fifth set, faced a Jaguars match point in the final set and then rallied with three straight points to complete an exhilarating 3-2 (20-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 16-14) victory and claim the Golden Eagle Invitational championship. Along the way Saturday, Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) moved into third place in program history in career assists.
9/3/2021
Cookerly Cracks NCAA Top-10 In Career Digs As Volleyball Wins Twice Friday
It was a tale of two completely opposite paths in Valpo volleyball’s two matches on Friday at the Golden Eagle Invitational in Cookeville, Tenn., but in the end, the result was the same — a win. The Beacons took down UNC Asheville, 3-0 (25-23, 25-9, 25-21) in their tournament opener and then won a five-set battle with host Tennessee Tech, 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-15, 18-16) to cap the day. Along the way, Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) moved into the top-10 in NCAA history in career digs and Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) posted the second-best hitting percentage in a five-set match in program history.
8/31/2021
Volleyball Continues Early-Season Play at Tennessee Tech
The Valpo volleyball team continues early-season tournament action this weekend with a road trip to Cookeville, Tenn. to compete at Tennessee Tech’s Golden Eagle Invitational. The Beacons will take on UNC Asheville and South Alabama in addition to host TTU over the two-day event.
8/30/2021
Valpo Football, Volleyball Single-Game Ticket Sales to Begin on Sept. 1
The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that single-game tickets for football and volleyball will go on sale on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. Central Time.
8/29/2021
Volleyball Claims Another Five-Set Thriller Sunday
For the second time in as many days, the Valpo volleyball team came out on the right end of a match that went the distance, as the Beacons rallied late in the fifth set to earn the 3-2 (25-17, 25-23, 15-25, 15-25, 15-13) victory over host Milwaukee Sunday in the finale of the Panther Invitational. Valpo finished in second place in the four-team tournament, with middles Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) and Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) representing the team on the All-Tournament Team.
8/28/2021
Volleyball Splits Pair To Open Season Saturday
The Valpo volleyball team opened the 2021 season in dramatic fashion Saturday at the Panther Invitational in Milwaukee, Wis., dropping the first two sets of its opener to UC Santa Barbara before rallying for a 3-2 (23-25, 14-25, 25-15, 25-20, 15-10) victory over the Gauchos. In their second match of the day, the Beacons battled Big Ten foe Illinois, falling 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-20).
8/25/2021
Volleyball Ready to Open Season This Weekend in Milwaukee
The Valpo volleyball team competes in the traditional fall season for the first time since 2019, starting this weekend with a trip to Milwaukee to take part in the Panther Invitational. The challenging slate of three matches opens on Saturday morning against UC Santa Barbara.
8/18/2021
Cookerly Earns Preseason All-MVC Honors; Volleyball Picked Seventh
The two-time reigning Missouri Valley Conference Libero of the Year, Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) represented the Valpo volleyball program on the preseason All-MVC Team released by the conference Wednesday morning. The Beacons were picked to finish in seventh place in the conference this year in preseason polling of the conference’s head coaches.
8/12/2021
Valpo Volleyball Announces 2021 Schedule
Just five short months after the conclusion of the spring 2021 campaign, the Valpo volleyball team is gearing up to return to action this fall as it announced its schedule for the upcoming season today.
7/19/2021
Valpo Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award, Named to Team Academic Honor Roll
The Valpo Volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2020-21 academic year, as announced by the AVCA today. It marks the 16th time in the last 18 seasons that the program has earned the award. In addition, Valpo was named to the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative team GPA which ranks among the top 20% of Division I programs.
7/12/2021
Cookerly Named to CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team
Excellence both on the court and in the classroom by Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has earned the standout Valpo volleyball libero a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team.
7/9/2021
Gretchan Kuckkan Joins Valpo Volleyball
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Gretchen Kuckkan has transferred to Valpo and will be immediately eligible to play in the fall of 2021. A 6-0 outside hitter, Kuckkan played her first two collegiate seasons at Indiana State.
6/10/2021
Cookerly Receives Academic All-District Accolade
For the third straight year, Valpo senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District V Team for her excellence in competition and in the classroom. With her First Team Academic All-District selection this year, Cookerly is now eligible for Academic All-America honors.
6/3/2021
Valpo Volleyball to Host Three Camps This Summer
The Valpo volleyball program will host a trio of camps at the ARC this summer, starting with its ValpoVB Skill Camp July 6-8. The next week, the program will host a pair of one-day Elite Camps July 12 and 13.
5/14/2021
Anderson, Cookerly, McCarthy Set to Return In Fall for Valpo Volleyball
Some of the key pieces of the success of the Valpo volleyball program over the last few years have announced that they will return for the fall 2021 campaign, as setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll), libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) and middle hitter Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) will each utilize the additional season of eligibility granted by the NCAA to fall sport student-athletes due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020-21 season.
4/13/2021
Cookerly Named to AVCA All-Midwest Region Team
Valpo senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) added another honor to her lengthy list of accolades on Tuesday, as she earned a spot on the AVCA All-Midwest Region Team. By virtue of her All-Region award, Cookerly is now eligible for All-American consideration.
4/1/2021
Quarterfinal Tournament Match Cancelled; Valpo Volleyball Season Comes to a Close
The Missouri Valley Conference has cancelled the second quarterfinal match of the 2021 MVC Volleyball Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test result (and subsequent contract tracing) among Valparaiso's Tier I personnel, which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff. As a result, Bradley — Valpo's scheduled opponent — will advance to Friday's semifinals and will play Illinois State.
3/31/2021
Cookerly Repeats as Libero of the Year; Bulmahn, Hart Earn All-Conference Honors
The Valpo volleyball program boasts a pair of major award winners for the first time since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, as senior Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) repeated as the conference Libero of the Year and freshman Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) earned Freshman of the Year accolades. Cookerly and Bulmahn were two of four Valpo players honored Wednesday, as senior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) joined Cookerly as a First Team All-MVC honoree and junior Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) earned a spot on the Second Team All-MVC.
3/31/2021
Victoria Bulmahn Named MVC Freshman of the Year
Freshman setter Victoria Bulmahn became the first Valpo volleyball player to earn a major award in her rookie season since the program joined the Missouri Valley Conference, as she was named the MVC Freshman of the Year Wednesday.
3/30/2021
Volleyball Prepares For MVC Tournament
The Valpo volleyball team looks to bring home the spring 2021 Missouri Valley Conference title this week, as the Brown and Gold head to the MVC Championship in Normal, Ill. Valpo enters the tournament as the fifth seed in the eight-team field and will open tournament action Thursday afternoon against fourth-seeded Bradley.
3/30/2021
Cookerly, Grant Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors
A champion in competition and a champion in the classroom. Valpo senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) combines the best of both worlds, and on Tuesday, Cookerly was honored by the Missouri Valley Conference as its volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Cookerly was joined by teammate Jillie Grant (Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) on the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team.
3/30/2021
McCarthy Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valpo senior middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) closed the regular season with an award-winning weekend, as she was tabbed the MVC Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday for her performance on the block in Valpo’s two matches at Evansville.
3/28/2021
Volleyball Closes Regular Season With Win Over Evansville
It was a total team effort as the Valpo volleyball team closed the regular season Sunday at Evansville, as all 14 players in uniform played in a 3-1 (25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 25-16) victory over the Purple Aces. With the win, Valpo enters the Missouri Valley Conference Championship as the fifth seed and will open tournament play against fourth-seeded Bradley Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m.
3/27/2021
Volleyball Falls at Evansville Saturday
The Valpo volleyball team found itself on the wrong end of a three-set match for the first time this year on Saturday evening, as host Evansville earned a 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-22) victory in the regular season’s penultimate match.
3/25/2021
Volleyball Set to Close Regular Season at Evansville
The Valpo volleyball team brings the regular season to a close this weekend as it travels downstate for its two-match series at Evansville Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Seedings for next week’s MVC Tournament is still up for grabs, as Valpo could enter the tournament as anywhere from the third seed through the seventh seed.
3/23/2021
Victoria Bulmahn Named MVC Freshman of the Week for Third Time
Valpo freshman setter Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) was recognized by the MVC office as the conference Freshman of the Week for the third time this season following her performances last weekend against Indiana State.
3/22/2021
Volleyball Drops Home Finale Monday to Indiana State
The Valpo volleyball team closed out the 2020-21 home schedule at the ARC on Monday, winning the first set from Indiana State before the Sycamores came back to earn a 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20) victory. Valpo celebrated the careers of seniors Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) and Ally Cummings (Novi, Mich./Novi) following the match as it concluded its senior weekend.
3/21/2021
Volleyball Sweeps Indiana State to Kick Off Senior Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team made it seven wins in its last eight matches Sunday afternoon at the ARC, sweeping Indiana State (25-21, 25-12, 25-22) to kick off its final weekend of home matches and secure a berth in the MVC Tournament. Sunday marked the start of Senior Weekend, as the program recognized senior Melissa Flynders (Mokena, Ill./Providence Catholic) following the match, while fellow senior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) tied Valpo’s record for kills in a three-set match in the 25-point era with a dominant 20-kill performance.
3/19/2021
Volleyball Honors Seniors This Weekend; Hosts Indiana State
In the middle of a tight pack in the MVC standings with two weekends of regular season play remaining, the Valpo volleyball team looks to carry the momentum from last weekend’s sweep into its final home series of the season as it hosts Indiana State on Sunday and Monday. Valpo will honor its three seniors who will be playing their final matches at the ARC over the course of the two days.
3/15/2021
Volleyball Sweeps UNI Monday, Completes Series Victory
The Valpo volleyball team made quick work of visiting UNI at the ARC Monday afternoon, defeating the Panthers in straight sets (25-15, 25-18, 27-25) to complete the weekend sweep of the two-match series. Senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) checked off yet another accomplishment in her sterling career, cracking the NCAA Division I top-25 chart for career digs.
3/14/2021
Valpo Volleyball Defeats UNI For First Time in Program History
The Valpo volleyball team earned a historic win Sunday afternoon at the ARC, defeating UNI for the first time in program history in a hard-fought 3-2 (26-24, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 15-13) victory in a key Missouri Valley Conference match.
3/12/2021
Volleyball Continues Homestand Sunday and Monday Versus UNI
With just three weekends left in the regular season, every match becomes vital in the battle for placement in the standings and for tournament seeding. This weekend sees the Valpo volleyball team welcome UNI to the ARC for a pair of matches against teams who enter the weekend separated by just one game in the MVC standings.
3/8/2021
Volleyball Falls in Four to Bradley Monday
The Valpo volleyball team looked to carry momentum from Sunday’s sweep into Monday’s rematch with Bradley at the ARC, claiming the first set handily, but the visiting Braves came back and won the next three sets to earn a 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19) victory as the two squads split the two-match series. The loss ended Valpo’s winning streak at four consecutive matches.
3/7/2021
Volleyball Returns Home With Sweep of Bradley
After five consecutive matches away from home, the Valpo volleyball team returned home to the ARC in style Sunday afternoon, earning a 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-20) sweep over a Bradley squad which entered the series in second place in the MVC standings. A well-rounded team effort resulted in the Brown and Gold extending their winning streak to four consecutive matches, matching the program’s longest conference winning streak since joining the MVC.
3/4/2021
Volleyball Returns to ARC For Two Versus Bradley
Coming off a thrilling conclusion to a two-match sweep at Drake, the Valpo volleyball team returns home to the ARC for six straight matches, starting with a two-match series Sunday and Monday versus Bradley. Valpo carries a three-match winning streak into this weekend’s series against a Braves squad which is currently second in the MVC standings, making it the third straight weekend Valpo will face a team in second place in the conference.
3/2/2021
Ravotto, Bulmahn Nab MVC Weekly Honors
After a road sweep at Drake this past weekend which was capped by a thrilling come-from-behind five-set win in a record-setting performance, the Valpo volleyball team claimed two of the Missouri Valley Conference’s three weekly awards on Tuesday. Sophomore Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Week, while freshman setter Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) claimed MVC Freshman of the Week honors.
3/1/2021
Volleyball Delivers Record-Setting Dig Total; Holds Off Four Match Points to Rally for Win at Drake
It doesn’t matter whether they’re playing in the fall or in the spring, you always know what you’re going to get from the Valpo volleyball team — a scrappy, blue-collar squad who will fight to keep every attack from hitting the ground and will battle to win every point. On Monday evening in Des Moines, the Brown and Gold took that to another level, as Valpo held off four Drake match point chances in the fourth set and then rallied from down 8-3 in the fifth set to earn a thrilling 3-2 (25-17, 22-25, 18-25, 29-27, 15-13) victory over the Bulldogs to earn the series sweep. Over the course of the five sets, Valpo recorded 134 total digs to set a program record — not just for the 25-point era, but for any match in the rally-scoring era.
2/28/2021
Volleyball Notches Second Consecutive Win
A strong all-around team effort lifted the Valpo volleyball team to a 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19) victory on the road in Des Moines, Iowa at Drake in MVC action on Sunday. The first match of the back-to-back saw the Brown and Gold tally 106 digs, one of the best efforts in a four-set match in program history.
2/26/2021
Volleyball Closes Five-Match Road Stretch With Pair of Contests at Drake
Valpo opens up the second half of its spring 2021 schedule this weekend as it concludes a five-match road trip with contests Sunday and Monday at Drake.
2/23/2021
Cookerly Earns Second MVC Weekly Award of Season
Valpo volleyball senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week today, her second award of the season, after another trio of stellar performances in the back row last week.
2/22/2021
Volleyball Delivers Crushing Fifth Set to Complete Comeback Win at Illinois State
Trailing two sets to one in its series finale Monday at Illinois State, the Valpo volleyball team led start to finish to claim set four and then crushed the host Redbirds with the program’s most dominant fifth set performance in the rally-scoring era to finish out a 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 16-25, 25-18, 15-2) victory and earn a split of the two-match series. The win was Valpo’s first over Illinois State since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
2/21/2021
Volleyball Falls in Four Sunday at Illinois State
The Valpo volleyball team returned to MVC play Sunday in Normal, Ill. with the first of back-to-back matches at Illinois State, but despite evening the match with a second-set victory, it eventually fell to the host Redbirds by a 3-1 (25-12, 24-26, 25-12, 25-21) final. During the match, senior Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) moved into second position in program history and fifth all-time in MVC history in career digs.
2/18/2021
Volleyball Comes Up Just Short in Upset Run at #13 Notre Dame
The Valpo volleyball team gave #13 Notre Dame all it could handle in a non-conference road matchup on Thursday afternoon, winning back-to-back sets after dropping the first set, but in the end, it was the Fighting Irish who earned a 3-2 (25-14, 19-25, 22-25, 26-24, 15-10) victory. Senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) tallied 40 digs, one of the top efforts in the category in the nation this season and tied for the most in a five-set match in program history.
2/16/2021
Volleyball Hits Road For Matches at #13 Notre Dame, Illinois State
Valpo returns to the road this week, where it will play each of its next five matches. The Brown and Gold step out of MVC play for the second and final time this year on Thursday with the short trip over to nationally-ranked Notre Dame, and then Valpo heads to Normal, Ill. for its two-match series at Illinois State.
2/15/2021
Cookerly Earns Another Spot in Record Book as Volleyball Defeats SIU
The Valpo volleyball team rebounded from a close loss on Sunday with a strong performance Monday to earn a series split with Southern Illinois at the ARC, downing the Salukis by a 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-19, 25-15) final. Senior Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) posted the third-most digs by a Valpo player in a four-set match in the 25-point era, and in the process, moved up both the Valpo and the MVC career digs charts.
2/14/2021
Bulmahn, Grant, Ravotto Post Career Highs in Five-Set Loss versus SIU
The Valpo volleyball team saw both of its outside hitters achieve career highs in the kills column on Sunday at the ARC, as senior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) posted 23 kills and junior Jillie Grant (Maumee, Ohio/Anthony Wayne) tallied 22 kills, while sophomore Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) posted a career-best 23 digs defensively, but it wouldn’t be enough as Southern Illinois took a tight fifth set to earn a 3-2 (25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 22-25, 15-13) victory in MVC play.
2/11/2021
Volleyball Returns Home to Host SIU Sunday and Monday
Valpo returns home to the ARC this weekend for its lone home matches in a nine-match stretch, welcoming Southern Illinois to town on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. and Monday afternoon at 4 p.m.
2/8/2021
Come-From-Behind Effort Falls Short Monday at Missouri State
The Valpo volleyball team twice erased one-set deficits Monday afternoon in MVC play at Missouri State, forcing a decisive fifth set thanks to a stellar offensive performance in the fourth set, but was unable to carry the momentum into the final frame as the Bears earned a 3-2 (25-16, 21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-6) win.
2/7/2021
Valpo Drops Four-Set Match Sunday at Missouri State
Despite getting a career-high 19 kills on Sunday from senior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon), the Valpo volleyball team dropped the opening match of a back-to-back series at Missouri State by a 3-1 (25-20, 24-26, 26-24, 25-20) final.
2/4/2021
Volleyball Continues MVC Play at Missouri State
With the opening week of play under its belt, Valpo makes the longest conference road trip of the season this weekend, traveling down to Missouri State for its first back-to-back two-game series of the season. The Brown and Gold will take on the Bears on Sunday and Monday afternoon.
2/4/2021
Volleyball Adds Nonconference Match at Notre Dame
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that the program has added a nonconference match later this month at Notre Dame. That matchup will take place on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT. Any broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
2/3/2021
Victoria Bulmahn Earns MVC Freshman of the Week Accolade
After making her collegiate debut with a pair of stellar performances in victories last week, Valpo volleyball freshman setter Victoria Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
2/3/2021
Rylee Cookerly Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valpo volleyball senior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has started off right where she left off last season, as the reigning Missouri Valley Conference Libero of the Year earned MVC Defensive Player of the Week honors Wednesday for her back row play in a pair of Valpo wins last week.
2/1/2021
Volleyball Opens Home Slate With Four-Set Win Over Loyola
The Valpo volleyball team opened its spring 2021 home schedule in style Monday afternoon at the ARC, putting together a strong offensive performance to claim a 3-1 (27-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21) victory over Loyola in MVC play. Three Valpo players finished the match in double figures in kills, led by 16 from senior Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton).
1/29/2021
Volleyball Claims Key Points In Sweep of Butler
It was an extremely tight match as the Valpo volleyball team returned to action in a neutral-site battle with Butler in Chicago Friday afternoon, featuring 26 ties and 15 lead changes in three sets which all went right down to the wire. In all three sets, it was Valpo which came away with the key points late, as the Brown and Gold earned a 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-23) sweep of the Bulldogs to earn their first win of the 2021 spring season.
1/25/2021
Volleyball Battles Back, Drops Five-Setter at Loyola
Resiliency, fight, scrappiness. Those are attributes which Valpo volleyball has embraced over the years, and which applied just as much to the team’s season opener at Loyola on Monday afternoon. Trailing two sets to none, down 7-1 in the third set and playing without a true setter, Valpo battled to the final point, as it rallied to take sets three and four before falling just short in the fifth set as the Ramblers came away with a 3-2 (25-18, 25-9, 23-25, 15-25, 15-10) win.
1/22/2021
Volleyball Set to Open Season Monday
423 days after departing the court following the 2019 MVC Tournament semifinal, the Valpo volleyball team is finally back in action this coming week as it kicks off its spring 2021 schedule. Valpo will jump right into MVC play with a home-and-home series against Loyola over the next two Mondays, opening the season Jan. 25 in Chicago, and will also play a neutral-site match against Butler next Friday, Jan. 29.
1/20/2021
Volleyball Announces Match Dates, Picked Seventh in MVC Preseason Poll
The Valpo volleyball program announced three match dates this afternoon as the start of the spring 2021 season approaches next week, while the Brown and Gold were also picked to finish in seventh place in the Missouri Valley Conference as the MVC released its preseason poll today.
11/18/2020
Valpo Volleyball Signs Quartet of Incoming Freshmen
A set of four student-athletes who have enjoyed tremendous success on both the individual and the team level have signed with the Valpo volleyball program as freshmen for the 2021-22 school year, as announced by head coach Carin Avery today.
11/18/2020
Cookerly Recognized in MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight
Valpo volleyball senior Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference on Wednesday as a featured student-athlete in the latest edition of the conference’s Scholar-Athlete Spotlight.
10/21/2020
Volleyball Conference Schedule Announced
The Valpo volleyball program is set to play 18 Missouri Valley Conference matches during the spring semester starting in early February, as the conference announced a revamped schedule this week.
9/18/2020
Cookerly Continues Strong Libero Legacy While Excelling Off the Court
Over the last three years, there’s been one constant around the ARC during the fall — Rylee Cookerly diving around, patrolling the back row for the Valpo volleyball program and racking up massive dig totals as she attempts to cement herself as one of the best liberos in Valpo and Missouri Valley Conference history.
8/14/2020
Missouri Valley Conference Fall Sports Update
Based on continuing uncertainty around the ability to play full-season league schedules safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the lack of a fall NCAA championship opportunity, the Missouri Valley Conference has announced the postponement of Conference schedules and championships in MVC-sponsored fall sports.
7/21/2020
Valpo Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valpo volleyball program continues to excel in the classroom, as it was named a recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award this week. The award, which is based on the 2019-20 academic year, marks the 15th time in the last 17 years that Valpo has earned the honor.
2/22/2020
Anderson Recognized in MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight
Valpo junior Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) received recognition for her academic prowess on Wednesday as the two-sport star was featured in the MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company.
1/22/2020
Valpo Volleyball Earns Living Generously Recognition For Rin Seibert Scholarship
The Valpo volleyball program was one of nine Valparaiso University programs and student organizations honored for being an outstanding example of Living Generously during the “Faces of Philanthropy” event on campus. The Volleyball program was chosen for this honor for its work setting up and raising funds for the Rin Seibert Scholarship.
12/10/2019
Cookerly Earns AVCA Honorable Mention All-Region Accolades
Valpo volleyball junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) added yet another honor to her growing list of awards this season, as she earned Honorable Mention All-Midwest Region accolades from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on Tuesday.
12/3/2019
Victoria Bulmahn to Join Valpo Volleyball Program in 2020
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Victoria Bulmahn, a 5’10” setter out of McCordsville, Ind., has signed with the Valpo program and will join the team as a freshman for the 2020 season. Bulmahn joins Mallory Januski as members of the incoming freshman class for next year.
11/30/2019
Cookerly Named to MVC All-Tournament Team
Valpo volleyball junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) represented the Brown and Gold on the MVC All-Tournament Team, announced on Saturday following the tournament’s conclusion. Cookerly earned the honor after posting match-high dig totals in both of Valpo’s tournament matches.
11/29/2019
Valpo Battles in Four-Set Loss to UNI in MVC Semifinal Friday
Playing shorthanded against a UNI squad which claimed the MVC regular season title and which swept the regular season finale between the two teams in swift fashion just six days ago, it would have been easy for the Valpo volleyball team to be content with their Thursday first-round tournament win, especially after the Panthers rolled to a first-set win. But for a Valpo program which is seemingly defined by the words scrappy and fight every time opposing coaches describe what it’s like to take on the Brown and Gold, that wouldn’t be the way to go out. And the 2019 iteration of the Valpo volleyball team epitomized those words against the heavy favorites Friday evening, rallying to earn a third-set victory and leading past the midway point of the fourth set before falling to UNI, 3-1 (25-9, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17) in the MVC semifinals.
11/28/2019
Volleyball Prevails in Dramatic MVC Tournament Opener Over Bradley
For a program which entered the 2019 MVC Tournament having played five sets in four of its last six matches, it seems only appropriate that it took the fifth-seeded Valpo volleyball team the full five sets to earn a dramatic 3-2 (25-15, 23-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-11) victory over fourth-seeded Bradley Thursday evening in the first round of tournament action in Cedar Falls, Iowa. With the win, Valpo advances to face host and top-seeded UNI Friday evening.
11/28/2019
Cookerly Named MVC Libero of the Year; McCarthy a First-Team Selection
Valpo volleyball junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has earned numerous accolades and reached a multitude of milestones in her first three seasons at Valpo, but she reached another level on Thursday, as Cookerly was named the Missouri Valley Conference Libero of the Year as the MVC held its annual pre-tournament awards ceremony Thursday afternoon. Junior Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) joined Cookerly as a First Team All-MVC selection as well, giving Valpo multiple First Team honorees for the first time since joining the MVC.
11/26/2019
Volleyball Opens Up MVC Tournament Thanksgiving Evening
Valpo heads to the 2019 MVC Tournament this week in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The fifth seed in the six-team field, the Brown and Gold open the tournament Thanksgiving evening against fourth-seeded Bradley and will have to earn three victories to claim the tournament title.
11/26/2019
Cookerly, Anderson Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Recognition
The Valpo volleyball program had a pair of players recognized both for their work on the court and in the classroom on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its Scholar-Athlete teams. Junior Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, while fellow junior Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) was tabbed an MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention selection.
11/23/2019
Volleyball Drops Season Finale; Heads Into MVC Tournament as Fifth Seed
The regular season came to a close Saturday evening in Cedar Falls, Iowa for the Valpo volleyball team, as it fell in straight sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-11) to MVC regular season champion UNI. Valpo will return immediately to Cedar Falls next week for the MVC Tournament, as fifth-seeded Valpo will take on fourth-seeded Bradley on Thursday evening at 5 p.m.
11/22/2019
Volleyball Turns the Tables; Rallies For Five-Set Win at Drake
25 days ago, it was the worst possible outcome for a volleyball team: losing three sets to two after having a 2-0 lead in the match. Friday night, the Valpo volleyball team flipped the script at Drake, rallying from a two-set deficit to earn a 3-2 victory over the Bulldogs – mirroring the outcome from the teams’ first meeting of the season.
11/20/2019
Volleyball Signs Mallory Januski to NLI
Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Mallory Januski, a 6’2” middle out of Bourbonnais, Ill., has signed her National Letter of Intent and will join the Valpo program as a freshman in the fall of 2020.
11/19/2019
Volleyball Heads to Iowa For Final Regular Season Weekend
Having secured a berth in the MVC Tournament with its win over Bradley on Saturday, the Valpo volleyball team closes out the regular season this weekend with the Iowa road swing, playing at Drake Friday night and at UNI Saturday evening. Valpo can still finish as high as fourth place in the conference standings.
11/16/2019
Volleyball Sends Seniors Off With Sweep of Bradley
The Valpo volleyball team made sure that seniors Alana Brown (Napa, Calif./Vintage) and Brooke Westphal (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City [Arizona St./South Florida St.]) would depart the ARC winners in the final home match of their collegiate careers Saturday evening, as Valpo dominated throughout in a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-19) sweep of Bradley. In the third set of the win, junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) surpassed the 2,000-career dig milestone.
11/15/2019
Volleyball Falls in Heartbreaker to Illinois State Friday
The Valpo volleyball team enjoyed a two-set advantage at the ARC Friday night in MVC play against Illinois State, and earned a match point in the third set, but the Redbirds went on to rally for a 3-2 (19-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-19, 15-8) win over Valpo. Sophomore Haley Hart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) enjoyed perhaps the best match of her career in the losing effort.
11/14/2019
Cookerly Earns Academic All-District Honor for Second Straight Year
Valpo junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) was acclaimed for her athletic and academic prowess on Thursday, as she was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-District V honoree. By virtue of her First Team selection, Cookerly is now eligible for Academic All-American selection.
11/12/2019
Senior Day Saturday Part of Volleyball's Final Home Weekend
Valpo takes to the ARC floor for the final time in 2019 this weekend as it hosts Illinois State and Bradley in a key pair of matches. Saturday will be Senior Night for the Valpo volleyball program, honoring Alana Brown and Brooke Westphal.
11/9/2019
Five-Setter Goes Against Valpo Saturday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team overcame travel difficulties and a pair of one-set deficits on Saturday evening in Springfield, Mo., but in the end, the decisive fifth set went the way of Missouri State as the Bears handed Valpo a 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 25-16, 18-25, 15-11) loss and thwarted its attempt at a second consecutive five-set road win.
11/8/2019
McCarthy’s Career Night Helps Volleyball to Come-From-Behind Win at SIU
No player in Valpo volleyball history has combined prolificacy and efficiency on the attack in a single match as well as junior middle hitter Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) did in a career performance Friday night at Southern Illinois, as Valpo rallied for a key 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 25-12, 15-11) victory over the Salukis.
11/6/2019
Volleyball Prepares For Key Road Trip This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team embarks on the longest trip of the conference schedule this weekend, swinging down to Southern Illinois Friday night and Missouri State Saturday evening. This weekend will prove key for postseason hopes, as Valpo and both of its opponents are currently part of a four-way tie for fifth place in the wins column in the MVC standings.
11/4/2019
Cookerly Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valpo junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has been tabbed the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after strong performances in the back row over three matches for the Brown and Gold last week.
11/2/2019
Dominant Offense Leads Volleyball to Sweep of Evansville
The Valpo volleyball team enjoyed easily its best offensive performance of the season Saturday evening at the ARC, attacking at a season-best .331 clip in a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-10) sweep of Evansville to complete a perfect weekend at home.
11/1/2019
Volleyball Sweeps Indiana State Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team made quick work of in-state rival Indiana State Friday evening at the ARC, opening the weekend with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-22, 25-18) of the Sycamores.
10/31/2019
Volleyball Welcomes In-State Foes to ARC This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team closes out its four-match homestand this weekend as it hosts its two in-state conference foes, welcoming Indiana State to the ARC Friday night and Evansville Saturday evening.
10/28/2019
Drake Comeback Deals Volleyball Loss Monday Night
The Valpo volleyball team jumped out to a two-set lead over visiting Drake Monday evening at the ARC, but the Bulldogs claimed the next two sets to force a decisive fifth set and then prevailed in extra points as Valpo fell 3-2 (24-26, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, 18-16). The night was highlighted by a 36-dig effort from junior libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg).
10/25/2019
Volleyball Falls to Loyola Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team kicked off a season-long four-match homestand at the ARC Friday evening against Loyola, but fell 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) to the visiting Ramblers.
10/23/2019
Volleyball Set to Begin Four-Match Homestand
Valpo returns home to start a quick stretch of four consecutive matches at the ARC Friday night when it hosts Loyola. The Brown and Gold will then welcome Drake to town on Monday evening to kick off the second half of Missouri Valley Conference play.
10/19/2019
Volleyball Comeback Effort Falls Short at Illinois State
The Valpo volleyball team held off a pair of match point chances in the third set Saturday evening at Illinois State to extend the match, and then successfully battled through three Redbird match points in the fourth set before Illinois State closed out the match on its sixth effort, 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 25-27, 25-21).
10/18/2019
Volleyball Falls at Bradley Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team saw its three-match winning streak come to an end Friday night at the hands of host Bradley, as the Braves earned a 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-22) victory.
10/16/2019
Volleyball Heads to Central Illinois This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team puts its three-match winning streak on the line this weekend with the road trip to the central Illinois schools. Valpo opens the weekend Friday night at Bradley before taking on Illinois State on Saturday evening.
10/12/2019
Volleyball Earns Third Straight Win With Sweep of SIU
Thrilling late-set runs gave the Valpo volleyball team a two-set advantage over visiting Southern Illinois Saturday evening at the ARC, and Valpo would close out its third consecutive sweep as it downed the Salukis 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-19).
10/11/2019
Volleyball Sweeps Missouri State in Pink Match Friday
The Valpo volleyball team took the first two sets with ease and then rallied late in a tight third set to earn the 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 28-26) sweep of Missouri State in MVC action Friday night at the ARC. The match served as Valpo’s annual Pink Match for breast cancer awareness, with Valpo associate director of athletics and director of recreational sports Rin Seibert the night’s special guest of honor.
10/9/2019
Volleyball Returns Home; Hosts Missouri State, Southern Illinois
The Valpo volleyball team returns home to the ARC for its first two-match home weekend of the conference schedule. Valpo welcomes Missouri State for Friday night’s match, and then turns around and hosts Southern Illinois on Saturday evening.
10/8/2019
Seibert to be Honored at Pink Game October 11; Volleyball Raising Money for Scholarship in Her Honor
The Valpo volleyball program will be hosting its annual Pink Game in honor of breast cancer awareness this Friday evening, October 11, but this year’s game will have an extra-special meaning for the volleyball team. Rin Seibert will be the game’s special guest of honor, and the program is raising money to go to a scholarship which will be presented in Seibert’s name.
10/5/2019
Valpo Volleyball Claims Sweep of Indiana State
Led by a pair of stellar offensive performances from its middle hitters, the Valpo volleyball team closed out their weekend swing downstate with a 3-0 sweep (25-21, 25-20, 25-21) at Indiana State Saturday evening.
10/4/2019
Volleyball Falls in Heartbreaker at Evansville Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team set a slew of new career highs on Friday night in a Missouri Valley Conference battle at Evansville, but in the end, the Purple Aces edged out Valpo by a 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-9) final.
10/2/2019
Volleyball Returns to the Road This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team heads back on the road this weekend, making the rounds down-state for a pair of matches in MVC play. Valpo will face off with Evansville Friday night before heading up to Terre Haute Saturday evening to take on Indiana State.
9/30/2019
Volleyball Falls in Home Opener to UNI
The Valpo volleyball team finally got its 2019 home campaign under way Monday evening at the ARC, hosting defending Missouri Valley Conference champion UNI. The Panthers came out winners in straight sets (25-21, 25-17, 25-19).
9/27/2019
Valpo Falls in MVC Opener Friday Night
The Valpo volleyball team opened Missouri Valley Conference play with its shortest road trip of the conference slate Friday evening, but was unable to return from Chicago victorious, as host Loyola earned a 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-22) victory.
9/25/2019
Volleyball Opens MVC Play This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team opens up Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend with its first two matches of the conference slate. Play begins Friday evening in Chicago with a matchup against travel partner Loyola before Valpo lifts the curtain on its home schedule Monday evening versus defending conference champion UNI. Monday's match will serve as the program's pediatric cancer awareness match.
9/24/2019
Volleyball Falls in Non-Conference Finale Tuesday
The Valpo volleyball team finished up the non-conference portion of its 2019 season on Tuesday evening in Milwaukee, Wis., falling to host Milwaukee 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-21). Valpo opens MVC play this Friday night at Loyola.
9/21/2019
Volleyball Falls in Tournament Finale to Milwaukee
The Valpo volleyball team closed action at the Jackrabbit Invitational in Brookings, S.D. on Saturday morning, falling to tournament champion Milwaukee by a 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-17) final.
9/20/2019
Volleyball Splits Pair of Matches Friday
The Valpo volleyball team got the Jackrabbit Invitational in Brookings, S.D. going on a winning note Friday afternoon, taking down host South Dakota State in straight sets (25-20, 25-22, 25-13), but Valpo couldn’t complete the sweep of the day, falling in its second match to Kansas City, 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22).
9/18/2019
Volleyball Faces Final Early-Season Tournament This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team heads to Brookings, S.D. this weekend for its final early-season tournament of the 2019 campaign, as it takes part in South Dakota State’s Jackrabbit Invitational. Valpo will kick off tournament play against the hosts before taking on Kansas City and Milwaukee. The Brown and Gold then close out non-conference play on Tuesday with a mid-week rematch at Milwaukee.
9/15/2019
Bulmahn Earns All-Tournament Team Honor at DePaul
Valpo volleyball junior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team at the DePaul Invitational this past weekend after recording strong efforts on both sides of the ball.
9/14/2019
Volleyball Falls Twice on Saturday at DePaul
The Valpo volleyball team closed out action from the DePaul Invitational on Saturday with a pair of matches. Valpo dropped the morning match to Central Michigan, 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 18-25, 25-19) and then fell in straight sets in the finale to the host Blue Demons (25-18, 25-20, 25-15). Junior Jaclyn Bulmahn (McCordsville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) tied her career high for kills in the morning and then set a new high to close out the tournament.
9/13/2019
Volleyball Takes Down Holy Cross Friday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team started out the DePaul Invitational on a winning note Friday evening, earning a 3-1 (25-19, 25-21, 25-27, 25-22) victory over Holy Cross.
9/10/2019
Volleyball Heads to DePaul This Weekend
The Valpo volleyball team continues early-season tournament action this weekend with a short trip to the Windy City to take part in the DePaul Invitational. Valpo opens the tournament on Friday afternoon against Holy Cross, and then takes on Central Michigan and the host Blue Demons on Saturday.
9/8/2019
McCarthy Earns All-Tournament Team Honors at Kent State
For the second time in as many weekends to open the season, Valpo volleyball junior middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team, this time at the Golden Flashes Classic hosted by Kent State.
9/7/2019
Volleyball Drops Tournament Finale to Robert Morris
The Valpo volleyball team claimed the opening set in its final contest of the Golden Flashes Classic Saturday afternoon against Robert Morris, but the Colonials came back to win the next three sets to earn the match victory, 3-1 (20-25, 29-27, 25-19, 25-23). Despite the loss, junior Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) set a career high with 18 kills.
9/6/2019
Volleyball Splits on First Day at Kent State
The Valpo volleyball team split a pair of matches Friday on its first day of action at the Golden Flashes Classic in Kent, Ohio, sweeping Idaho State in the opener (25-19, 25-23, 25-16) before falling in a five-set battle against host Kent State in the nightcap (22-25, 25-17, 25-19, 26-28, 15-11).
9/4/2019
Volleyball Falls at Notre Dame Wednesday Evening
The Valpo volleyball team took a brief step away from early-season tournament action Wednesday night at Notre Dame, but a hard-fought three-set battle went the way of the Fighting Irish, 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-23).
9/3/2019
Volleyball Continues Early-Season Play at Notre Dame, Kent State
The Valpo volleyball team briefly steps away from tournament play Wednesday evening with a match at Notre Dame. Valpo then heads to Kent State for the Golden Flashes Classic this weekend, facing Idaho State and Robert Morris in addition to the hosts.
9/2/2019
Cookerly, McCarthy Earn All-Tournament Team Honors at IUPUI
Valpo volleyball juniors Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) and Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team at IUPUI’s Hampton Inn Invitational last weekend, the third career All-Tournament Team accolade for both players.
8/31/2019
Avery Earns 400th Win at Valpo; Volleyball Closes Weekend With Victory
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery hit another milestone in her distinguished career on Saturday evening, picking up her 400th win at the helm of the Valpo program as the Brown and Gold closed the Hampton Inn Invitational with a 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21) victory over host IUPUI. Earlier in the day, Valpo dropped a 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 24-26, 25-23) decision to defending Summit League champion South Dakota.
8/30/2019
Volleyball Earns Season-Opening Win Over Murray State
Highlighted by a stellar performance in her collegiate debut from freshman outside Bella Ravotto (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) and a strong effort on both sides of the net by junior middle Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton), the Valparaiso University volleyball team opened the 2019 campaign with a 3-1 (25-20, 14-25, 25-18, 25-20) victory over defending OVC champion Murray State Friday evening in Indianapolis.
8/28/2019
Volleyball Opens 2019 Campaign at IUPUI This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team kicks off the 2019 season this weekend with a trio of matches at IUPUI’s Hampton Inn Invitational. Valpo opens the campaign against Murray State Friday night and faces South Dakota Saturday morning before taking on the host Jaguars Saturday evening.
8/21/2019
Anderson Earns Preseason All-MVC Honors; Valpo Picked Seventh
Valparaiso University junior setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) has been selected as one of seven members of the Missouri Valley Conference’s preseason All-Conference team heading into the 2019 season.
8/9/2019
Brooke Westphal Joins Valpo Volleyball Program
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Michigan City alum Brooke Westphal has returned to Northwest Indiana and joined the Valpo volleyball program for the 2019 season. Westphal will have one season of eligibility remaining with the Brown and Gold.
7/31/2019
Valpo Volleyball Announces 2019 Schedule
The Valparaiso University volleyball program unveiled today its schedule for the upcoming 2019 season, a slate which features 10 matches against teams who participated in the postseason last year.
7/22/2019
Valpo Claims AVCA Team Academic Award; Named to Team Academic Honor Roll
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2018-19 academic year, as announced by the AVCA today. It marks the 14th time in the last 16 seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award. In addition, Valpo was named to the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative team GPA which ranks among the top-25 in Division I volleyball.
6/18/2019
Anderson Leads Nation in Assists, Team Paces Country in Digs
A deep postseason run in a successful 2018 campaign led to the Valparaiso University volleyball team finishing the season as national statistical champions in a pair of categories. Sophomore setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) led the country in total assists, while as a team, Valpo paced all Division I programs in total digs.
6/6/2019
Ketcham Named Recipient of MVC Postgraduate Scholarship
Former Valparaiso University volleyball player Allison Ketcham has been named one of four recipients of the Missouri Valley Conference postgraduate scholarship awards, as announced by MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin on Thursday. The $5,000 postgraduate scholarship is awarded to graduated student-athletes who have exhibited exemplary academic and athletic performance.
4/4/2019
Volleyball to Host Notre Dame April 26
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will close out its 2019 spring season on Friday evening, April 26 at the ARC as Valpo hosts Notre Dame. The match is slated to begin at 5 p.m., and admission is free.
2/22/2019
Valpo Volleyball to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Valpo volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 8-11, 2019 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12.
2/4/2019
Polite Returns to Valpo Volleyball Coaching Staff
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Nick Polite has returned to Valpo and rejoined the volleyball program as an assistant coach. Polite previously spent three seasons on the Valpo coaching staff from 2013 through 2015.
1/1/2019
No. 1: Volleyball Earns First Postseason Wins in Program History, Reaches NIVC Quarterfinal
A tremendous 2018 season for the Valparaiso University volleyball team resulted in a bid to the postseason National Invitational Volleyball Championship, and it was what Valpo did with that tournament berth - winning a pair of matches for the first postseason victories in program history and reaching the NIVC quarterfinal - that comes in as the top moment of 2018 in Valpo Athletics.
12/27/2018
No. 6: Valpo Volleyball Sets NCAA Record For Digs in a Season in the 25-Point Era
The next entry on the Valpo Athletics year-end countdown might be best described not as one moment, but as 2,613 separate moments. The Valparaiso University volleyball team tallied 2,613 digs in the 2018 season, setting an NCAA Division I record for team digs in a season in the 25-point rally scoring era - a feat which is good for the No. 6 spot in our countdown of the best moments in Valpo Athletics this year.
12/6/2018
Volleyball Postseason Run Comes to End Thursday In NIVC Quarterfinal
One of the most successful seasons in program history came to a close for the Valparaiso University volleyball team on Thursday evening in New Orleans, La., as Tulane defeated Valpo in the quarterfinals of the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship, 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-13, 25-20). Despite Thursday’s defeat, Valpo still closes the season tied for the second-most wins in a year in program history with 27, including the program’s first-ever postseason victories, and set a new NCAA record in the 25-point era for digs in a season.
12/5/2018
Volleyball Looks to Extend NIVC Run Thursday at Tulane
The Valparaiso University volleyball team looks to continue the best postseason run in program history on Thursday evening as it takes to the court in Bayou Country, facing off against Tulane in New Orleans in a quarterfinal match in the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship.
11/30/2018
Volleyball Advances to NIVC Quarterfinals With Sweep of Miami Friday
Earning the first postseason victory in program history felt so good for the Valparaiso University volleyball team that they decided to repeat the feat on Friday evening. Valpo needed just three sets (25-21, 25-16, 25-18) to defeat host Miami on Friday and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship.
11/29/2018
Valpo Volleyball Downs Ball State For First Postseason Win in Program History
A kill from senior Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) capped a historic night for the Valparaiso University volleyball program on Thursday, as Valpo captured the first postseason victory in program history with a 3-1 (25-9, 13-25, 25-23, 25-18) win in the first round of the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship over Ball State in Oxford, Ohio. Valpo will now face Miami University Friday at 6 p.m. in the second round of the NIVC.
11/28/2018
Volleyball Ready For Start of 2018 NIVC
The Valparaiso University volleyball team makes its first postseason appearance since 2005 this week, traveling to Oxford, Ohio for the first two rounds of the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Valpo takes on Ball State Thursday evening in the first round of the tournament, and with a win, would face either host Miami University or Northern Kentucky in the second round on Friday night.
11/25/2018
Volleyball Earns Bid to 2018 NIVC; Will Face Ball State in Opening Round
The Valparaiso University volleyball team is heading to postseason play for the first time since 2005, as it was announced Sunday evening that Valpo has earned a bid to the 2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Valpo will travel to Miami (Ohio) and take on Ball State in the opening round of the tournament Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. CT.
11/24/2018
Ketcham Earns All-Tournament Team Honors
Valparaiso University senior outside hitter Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament team on Saturday at the tournament’s conclusion.
11/23/2018
Volleyball Falls In MVC Semis to UNI; Awaits Potential Postseason Bid
The fourth-seeded Valparaiso University volleyball team put together a strong showing Friday evening in its first appearance in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament as it took on top-seeded UNI, but in the end, the Panthers earned a 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22) victory to advance to the tournament championship match on Sunday. Valpo will now await a potential bid to the postseason National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).
11/22/2018
Volleyball Takes Down Missouri State; Advances to MVC Semifinals
Given the way the Valparaiso University volleyball team has fought and battled all season long, it seemed only fitting Thursday that to earn its first-ever victory in the MVC Tournament, Valpo would have to play a full five sets and over two and a half hours of volleyball. In the end, the fifth set and the match belonged to Valpo, as it defeated tournament host Missouri State 3-2 (25-17, 20-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9) to advance to Friday’s semifinals against UNI.
11/22/2018
Anderson, Carlson Earn All-MVC Accolades
Valparaiso University sophomore setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) was named a First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honoree, while senior outside hitter Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) earned Second Team All-MVC honors as the conference unveiled its postseason award winners Thursday prior to the start of the MVC Tournament.
11/21/2018
MVC Tournament On Tap For Volleyball
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament as the fourth seed this week. Valpo will face fifth-seeded Missouri State, the tournament host, in the opening round on Thursday night and needs to win three matches to claim the tournament title.
11/20/2018
Volleyball to Welcome Eight Newcomers in 2019
While the successful 2018 campaign for the Valparaiso University volleyball program carries on, excitement for the future of the program is in the air as well, as head coach Carin Avery announced today that eight high school seniors have signed with Valpo and will join the team as freshmen for the 2019 season.
11/20/2018
Five Volleyball Players Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors
The Valparaiso University volleyball team had five players earn Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete accolades as announced by the conference office Tuesday, highlighted by a conference-best three players earning Scholar-Athlete First Team honors.
11/19/2018
Ketcham Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
After helping lead the Valparaiso University volleyball team to a pair of road victories in the final weekend of regular season play, senior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
11/17/2018
Volleyball Closes Regular Season With Win at SIU
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will carry a two-match winning streak into next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, as Valpo ended the regular season Saturday night with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21) win at Southern Illinois. Valpo opens the tournament Thursday evening against host Missouri State at 7:30 p.m.
11/16/2018
Volleyball Beats Missouri State For First Time in Program History
The Valparaiso University volleyball team started off the final weekend of the regular season in style, going up two sets at Missouri State and, after the Bears rallied to force a fifth set, dominating the final set to earn a 3-2 (25-23, 25-21, 25-27, 16-25, 15-7) victory for the program’s first-ever win over Missouri State. With the win, Valpo secured fourth place in the MVC standings and the fourth seed for the upcoming MVC Tournament.
11/15/2018
Ketcham, Cookerly Earn Academic All-District Honors
The Valparaiso University volleyball team boasted a pair of Academic All-District honorees as the CoSIDA Academic All-District V squads were unveiled on Thursday, as senior outside Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was a First Team selection and sophomore libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) received Second Team honors.
11/14/2018
Volleyball Closes Out Regular Season This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out the regular season this weekend with its final road trip, heading south to take on Missouri State Friday night and Southern Illinois Saturday evening in advance of next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
11/10/2018
Volleyball Falls to Illinois State On Senior Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team concluded the 2018 home season on Saturday night at the ARC, dropping a four-set battle (25-17, 25-15, 19-25, 25-19) to Missouri Valley Conference leader Illinois State. The program celebrated its senior night on Saturday, honoring the five members of this year’s senior class.
11/9/2018
Volleyball Falls Just Short Against Bradley Friday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team rallied twice from one-set deficits Friday night at the ARC against Bradley and earned match point against the Braves in the fifth set, but couldn’t complete the come-from-behind win, as Bradley pulled out a 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-19, 22-25, 16-14) victory. Senior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) moved into the program’s all-time top-10 for career kills in the third set Friday.
11/7/2018
Senior Day Set For Saturday as Volleyball Hosts Final Home Weekend
After securing a spot in the upcoming MVC Tournament with a come-from-behind win at Loyola last week, the Valparaiso University volleyball team faces a pair of key matches in battles for tournament seeding this weekend. Valpo hosts Bradley, which currently resides just one-half game ahead of Valpo for third place, on Friday evening before welcoming first-place Illinois State on Saturday for Senior Night.
11/2/2018
History Repeats Itself as Valpo Volleyball Rallies For Five-Set Win Over Loyola
For it to happen once in one season is rare enough. For it to happen twice, against the same opponent, is almost unheard of. But Friday night in Chicago proved to be that one-in-a-million moment, as for the second time this season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team rallied from down two sets to earn a 3-2 (15-25, 22-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-12) victory over Loyola, led by a career-best effort from senior Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep).
11/1/2018
Volleyball Travels to Loyola Friday Night
Coming off a stretch of three matches over four days, the Valparaiso University volleyball team faces a light slate this weekend, but the lone match is an important one, as Valpo heads up to Chicago to face a Loyola squad Friday night which it currently sits one game ahead of in the MVC standings.
10/29/2018
Volleyball Falls at Home Monday to Missouri State
A busy weekend for the Valparaiso University volleyball team came to an end Monday night at the ARC, as Valpo dropped a 3-1 (19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-17) decision to visiting Missouri State.
10/29/2018
Cookerly Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team picked up its second MVC weekly award in as many weeks on Monday, as the conference office announced that sophomore libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) earned Defensive Player of the Week honors.
10/27/2018
Volleyball Sweeps Drake Saturday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team bounced back from a hard-fought loss on Friday night in strong fashion, trailing just once in the entire match in a three-set sweep (25-16, 25-18, 25-20) at Drake Saturday evening.
10/26/2018
Carlson Cracks Top-10 In Kills As Volleyball Comes Up Just Short at UNI
For the second straight season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team went to a fifth set with perennial Missouri Valley Conference power UNI on the road in Cedar Falls, but Valpo was unable to pull out the victory Friday, falling 3-2 (18-25, 25-16, 25-12, 20-25, 15-7). Along the way, senior Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) moved into the program’s top-10 all-time in career kills.
10/24/2018
Volleyball Set For Three Matches in Four Days
The Valparaiso University volleyball team faces a key stretch of three matches in four days this weekend, traveling to take on UNI and Drake on Friday and Saturday, respectively, before returning home and hosting Missouri State Monday evening.
10/22/2018
Cummings Named MVC Offensive Player of the Week
After hitting over .500 in both of the Valparaiso University volleyball team’s matches last weekend and leading all players in kills in both victories, sophomore right side hitter Ally Cummings (Novi, Mich./Novi) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
10/20/2018
Volleyball Rolls to Sweep of Indiana State For 20th Win In Pink Match Saturday
It’s become a standard of success for the Valparaiso University volleyball program over the years – the team reaches the 20-win mark, season after season. Saturday night, the 2018 edition of Valpo volleyball hit the milestone, sweeping Indiana State 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-21) for its 20th win of the year as the program hosted its annual Pink Match.
10/19/2018
Cummings Posts Career High to Lead Resilient Valpo Squad to Win Friday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team has won matches in numerous ways and overcome many obstacles over the coaching tenure of head coach Carin Avery, but Friday presented a new test that Valpo passed with flying colors. Playing with just one healthy middle, Valpo earned a 3-1 (25-15, 17-25, 25-14, 25-15) victory over Evansville in MVC action at the ARC Friday night to improve to 6-3 at the midway point of conference play and pick up its 19th win overall.
10/18/2018
Volleyball Returns to the ARC This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team passes the halfway mark of the MVC slate this weekend as it hosts the conference’s other two Indiana institutions. Friday night brings Evansville to the ARC, while Saturday night, Valpo will face Indiana State in the program’s annual Pink Match, where it will be raising money for the American Cancer Society.
10/13/2018
Volleyball Drops MVC Match at Bradley Saturday
A potent attack from Bradley proved to be too much for the Valparaiso University volleyball team to overcome on the road on Saturday evening, as the Braves came away with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-16) victory.
10/12/2018
Volleyball Falls at Illinois State Friday Night
A game battle for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference standings went against the Valparaiso University volleyball team Friday night, as a short-handed Valpo squad fell at Illinois State by a 3-1 (25-15, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21) final.
10/10/2018
Volleyball Hits the Road This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team faces a key road trip this weekend against a pair of top-four MVC opponents. Valpo takes on an Illinois State squad which sits in a second-place tie with the Brown and Gold Friday evening before facing off with Bradley Saturday night. Valpo enters the weekend just two wins shy of 20 for the season.
10/5/2018
Volleyball Completes Rally Friday Night, Downs Loyola
It was something that fans at the ARC haven’t witnessed in nearly a decade. After dropping the first two sets Friday night in MVC play to Loyola, the Valparaiso University volleyball team regrouped and, buoyed by a raucous crowd, roared from behind to win the next two sets and then, in the fifth frame, claimed six of the match’s final seven points to take down the Ramblers, 3-2 (19-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-12). The win pushes Valpo’s record to 18-3 overall and leaves the team alone in second place in The Valley standings at 5-1.
10/3/2018
Volleyball Closes Homestand Friday Versus Loyola
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out a four-match homestand at the ARC Friday night as Loyola makes the short trip in from Chicago to take on the Brown and Gold. Free volleyball t-shirts will be distributed to the first 150 students in attendance.
9/29/2018
Volleyball Falls in Hard-Fought Battle Against UNI Saturday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team tangled with a UNI team receiving votes in the AVCA top-25 poll on Saturday night at the ARC in front of a raucous crowd, but Valpo would see its 11-match winning streak come to an end as the Panthers edged their way to a set four win to close out a 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-23) decision.
9/28/2018
Volleyball Wins 11th Straight, Clinches Best Start in Program History
The 2018 Valparaiso University volleyball team now stands alone for the best start to a season in program history, improving to 17-2 on Friday night and winning its 11th consecutive match with an impressive 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-18) sweep of Drake at the ARC. Sophomore Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) hit the 1,000-dig mark for her career in the win, which sets up a Saturday night matchup at the ARC of Missouri Valley Conference unbeatens, as UNI comes to town at 7 p.m.
9/26/2018
Volleyball Hosts Drake, UNI On Homecoming Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team continues a four-match homestand with a pair of stiff tests at the ARC for Homecoming weekend. A 12-4 Drake squad comes to town Friday night to start off the weekend, and then perennial power UNI visits on Saturday evening as Valpo looks to extend a 10-match winning streak and the best start in program history.
9/24/2018
Volleyball Continues Roll With Monday Sweep of SIU
Three matches in four days proved to be no problem to kick off the Missouri Valley Conference schedule for the Valparaiso University volleyball team, as Valpo returned home on Monday and won its 10th consecutive match with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-18) sweep of Southern Illinois at the ARC. Valpo improves to 16-2 for just the second time in program history and now sits at a perfect 3-0 in MVC action.
9/22/2018
Volleyball Extends Program-Best Start With Second Straight MVC Sweep
The Valparaiso University volleyball team extended its winning streak to nine straight matches with its second consecutive road sweep to open MVC play, taking down Evansville (25-14, 26-24, 25-19) on Saturday evening to improve to 15-2 overall.
9/21/2018
Carlson, Ketcham Reach Milestones as Valpo Sweeps Indiana State In MVC Opener
It was a night to celebrate for the Valparaiso University volleyball team Friday evening in Terre Haute, Ind. Not only did Valpo open Missouri Valley Conference play with a road sweep of Indiana State (27-25, 25-20, 25-20), but a pair of senior outside hitters – Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) and Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) – both hit the 1,000-kill milestone for their respective careers and became just the eighth and ninth Valpo players all-time to join the 1,000-kill/1,000-dig club. The victory also matched Valpo’s best start through 16 matches in program history.
9/20/2018
Volleyball Opens MVC Play On the Road; Returns Home Monday
Coming off a strong close to the non-conference campaign, the Valparaiso University volleyball team jumps right into Missouri Valley Conference play with three matches in four days. Valpo faces the Indiana State/Evansville road swing this weekend before returning home for the first of four consecutive home matches, hosting Southern Illinois on Monday evening. Both Katherine Carlson and Allison Ketcham are poised to hit the 1,000-kill milestone this weekend.
9/18/2018
Volleyball Closes Non-Conference Slate With Win at Purdue Fort Wayne
A strong defensive performance keyed a victorious close to non-conference action for the Valparaiso University volleyball team on Tuesday evening, as Valpo recorded a season-best 17 blocks in a hard-fought five-set win (25-17, 13-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-9) at Purdue Fort Wayne. With the win, Valpo finishes non-conference play with a 13-2 record and continues one of the best starts in program history.
9/15/2018
Valpo Wins Crusader Classic Title; Improves to 12-2
The Valparaiso University volleyball team claimed tournament hardware for a third straight weekend on Saturday evening, this time doing so by defending its home court at the ARC with a 3-1 (13-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-17) victory over Wright State in the championship match of the Crusader Classic. Valpo positioned itself for the potential title with an easy 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-14) win over Western Illinois earlier on Saturday.
9/14/2018
Valpo Takes Down Cornell to Open Crusader Classic
14 kills from sophomore Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) and a career-best eight blocks from senior Lizzie Zaleski (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist) led the way for the Valparaiso University volleyball team Friday evening as it opened the Crusader Classic at the ARC with a 3-1 (25-15, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20) win over Cornell.
9/12/2018
Volleyball Set to Host Crusader Classic This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team returns home to the ARC for the first time in regular season play this weekend, as it hosts the Crusader Classic on Friday and Saturday. Cornell, Western Illinois and Wright State make up the tournament field as Valpo looks for its third tournament title in as many weekends.
9/8/2018
Another Weekend, Another Tournament Title For Volleyball
The Valparaiso University volleyball team made it back-to-back weekends with tournament titles thanks to a pair of victories on Saturday, defeating CSU Bakersfield 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-19) and Cal Baptist 3-1 (21-25, 25-10, 25-22, 25-12) to earn the Amy Svoboda Memorial Classic championship. Senior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was named Tournament MVP, while fellow senior Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) and sophomore Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) joined Ketcham on the All-Tournament Team.
9/7/2018
Volleyball Notches Friday Road Win at Air Force
The Valparaiso University volleyball team battled host Air Force nip-and-tuck through the first three sets of its opener Friday at the Amy Svoboda Memorial Classic, taking two of the three frames, and then pulled away late in set four to earn the 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-19) victory.
9/4/2018
Valpo Battles #20 Michigan Tuesday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team faced its strongest test of the 2018 season on Tuesday evening in Ann Arbor, Mich., battling gamely but falling in straight sets (25-19, 25-13, 25-20) to host Michigan.
9/3/2018
Volleyball Heads to #20 Michigan, Air Force This Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team briefly steps away from tournament play with a Tuesday night matchup at nationally-ranked Michigan before heading to Colorado for the Amy Svoboda Memorial Classic at Air Force.
9/1/2018
Dominant Offense Leads to Tournament Title for Volleyball
The Valparaiso University volleyball team put together one of its most dominating offensive performances in recent history on Saturday to emphatically claim the Chippewa Invitational tournament title with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-8, 25-11, 25-16) victory over host Central Michigan. Senior Lizzie Zaleski (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist) was named Tournament MVP, while classmates Sydney Bronner (Frankenmuth, Mich./Frankenmuth) and Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) joined Zaleski on the All-Tournament Team.
8/31/2018
Valpo Sweeps Pair on Opening Day at CMU
Six sets was all it took for the Valparaiso University volleyball team to come out with two victories on Friday during the first day of action at Central Michigan’s Chippewa Invitational, as Valpo swept DePaul (25-7, 25-10, 25-19) in the tournament opener Friday morning before coming back with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 26-24) win over La Salle in the afternoon. Senior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) became just the eighth player in program history to hit the 1,500-career dig milestone, doing so late in the morning win over the Blue Demons.
8/29/2018
Volleyball Continues Early-Season Action at CMU
The Valparaiso University volleyball team continues early-season play this weekend with a trip to Mount Pleasant, Mich. to compete in the Chippewa Invitational. Valpo will face off with DePaul and La Salle on Friday before closing the tournament against host Central Michigan on Saturday.
8/26/2018
Anderson, McCarthy Pick Up All-Tournament Team Honors
A pair of sophomores represented the Valparaiso University volleyball team on the All-Tournament Team at the EIU Panther Invitational, as Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and Peyton McCarthy (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton) received the accolades at the tournament’s conclusion Sunday.
8/25/2018
Volleyball Takes Two Saturday; Carlson Hits 1,000 Career Digs
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out the EIU Panther Invitational Saturday on a high note, sweeping Iona in straight sets (25-19, 27-25, 25-8) in the morning before taking down host EIU 3-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-13) to cap the day. In the morning match, Valpo senior Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) surpassed the 1,000-dig milestone for her career.
8/24/2018
Volleyball Splits Pair to Open Regular Season
The Valparaiso University volleyball team kicked off the 2018 season Friday at the EIU Panther Invitational in Charleston, Ill., splitting its two matches on the day. Valpo led Fresno State 2-1 before falling by a 3-2 final in its opener, but bounced back in the afternoon to earn a 3-1 victory over Saint Francis (Pa.).
8/23/2018
Volleyball Set to Open 2018 Season at EIU
The Valparaiso University volleyball team opens up the 2018 season this weekend at the EIU Panther Invitational with four matches over a two-day stretch. Valpo kicks off action Friday morning against Fresno State and will also face St. Francis (Pa.) and Iona before closing the tournament Saturday evening against host Eastern Illinois.
8/18/2018
Volleyball Defeats Milwaukee in Exhibition Action
The Valparaiso University volleyball team took to the floor of the ARC Saturday afternoon for the first time in 2018, defeating Milwaukee in exhibition action, 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-15, 25-19).
8/15/2018
Valpo Volleyball Picked Fifth in Preseason Poll
Entering its second season of play in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Valparaiso University volleyball team has been picked to finish in fifth place in the conference in 2018, according to preseason polling of the conference’s head coaches.
7/16/2018
Valpo Claims AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2017-18 academic year, as announced by the AVCA today. It marks the 13th time in the last 15 seasons that Valpo has earned the award.
7/3/2018
Valpo Volleyball Announces 2018 Schedule
The Valparaiso University volleyball program announced today its schedule for the upcoming 2018 season, a slate which features 12 home regular season matches at the ARC.
6/7/2018
Crusader Volleyball to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 9-12, 2018 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12.
4/12/2018
Valpo Volleyball to Host Northwestern Saturday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will host Northwestern at the ARC on Saturday afternoon as part of its 2018 spring schedule.
2/27/2018
Volleyball Receives NCAA Statistical Champion Plaque For Digs
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received its NCAA statistical champion plaque this week, recognizing the Crusaders for leading the country in digs/set during the 2017 season. Valpo’s average of 20.03 digs/set was the second-highest single-season average by a Division I team since the move to 25-point scoring prior to the 2008 campaign.
12/8/2017
Carin Avery To Be Inducted Into Ball State Hall of Fame As Part of 1994 Team
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery will be inducted as part of the 1994 Ball State University volleyball team into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend. As part of the ceremonies, Avery and the rest of the inductees will be recognized at halftime of the Valpo-Ball State men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon.
12/5/2017
Cookerly Honored as Regional Freshman of the Year
Following her standout rookie season for the Crusaders, Valparaiso University freshman libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has been honored as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Midwest Region Freshman of the Year. Cookerly is one of just 10 freshmen nationwide to earn the regional Freshman of the Year accolade, and is now up for consideration for National Freshman of the Year.
11/26/2017
Graboski Named to MVC All-Tournament Team
Valparaiso University senior middle hitter Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) closed out her Crusader career with one final All-Tournament honor, as she was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team following the conclusion of the conference’s postseason event.
11/23/2017
Crusaders Fall to Illinois State at MVC Tournament
The sixth-seeded Valparaiso University volleyball team took the first set from third-seeded Illinois State Thursday night in its first-ever match at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Normal, Ill., but the Redbirds claimed each of the next three sets as Valpo’s season came to an end, 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19).
11/23/2017
Graboski Named First Team All-MVC; Anderson, Cookerly Earn All-Freshman Honors
Valparaiso University volleyball senior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) has been named a First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection as the conference office announced its postseason awards on Thursday. The Crusaders were also represented by a pair of players on the conference’s All-Freshman Team: Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg).
11/22/2017
Volleyball Heads to MVC Tournament
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament for the first time this week, as the Crusaders earned the sixth seed for the 2017 edition of the tournament in Normal, Ill. Third-seeded Illinois State - the host school - awaits Valpo in the first round, as the Crusaders will need to win three matches to capture the tournament title.
11/21/2017
Trio of Crusaders Named to MVC Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Teams
The Valparaiso University volleyball team placed three players on the Missouri Valley Conference’s Scholar-Athlete Teams, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday. Redshirt junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) earned First Team Scholar-Athlete honors, while juniors Sydney Bronner (Frankenmuth, Mich./Frankenmuth) and Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) were both Honorable Mention recipients.
11/20/2017
Anderson Named MVC Freshman of the Week
Valparaiso University freshman setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) picked up her second Freshman of the Week award from the Missouri Valley Conference on Monday following a strong conclusion to the regular season.
11/18/2017
Senior Night Win Caps Regular Season For Volleyball
It was only apropos that, celebrating Senior Night at the ARC on Sautrday night, senior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) capped off a sweep with a thunderous kill as the Valparaiso University volleyball team took down Southern Illinois, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-12) to close out the regular season. Prior to the match, Graboski and Catherine Ament (New Carlisle, Ind./New Prairie) were honored for their four years of service to the Crusader program.
11/17/2017
Crusaders Secure Spot in MVC Tournament Friday; Fall to #25 Missouri State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team battled gamely against MVC regular season champion and 25th-ranked Missouri State Friday night at the ARC, but the Bears claimed a tight first two sets on their way to a 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-20) victory over the Crusaders. Despite the loss, the Crusaders secured a berth in next week’s MVC Tournament with SIU’s loss at Loyola.
11/16/2017
Ketcham Earns Academic All-District Accolade
Valparaiso University volleyball redshirt junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) has been named a CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-District V honoree for her work both on the volleyball court and in the classroom.
11/15/2017
Volleyball Prepares For Final Regular Season Matches
The scenario entering the final weekend of Missouri Valley Conference regular season play is simple for the Valparaiso University volleyball team this weekend. With one win over the final two matches, the Crusaders will be in the MVC Tournament. Valpo will host #25 Missouri State on Friday evening before welcoming Southern Illinois on Saturday night. Saturday night will be Senior Night for the Crusader program, as Valpo celebrates seniors Catherine Ament and Taylor Graboski.
11/15/2017
Volleyball Announces Pair of Signings
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Jillian Grant and Haley Hart have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period and will be joining the Crusader volleyball program as freshmen for the 2018 season.
11/11/2017
Crusaders Topped by Sycamores Saturday Evening
Looking for its first sweep of a weekend of MVC play this season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team came up just short Saturday evening in Terre Haute, Ind., falling to host Indiana State, 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-17).
11/10/2017
Volleyball Secures Critical Road Win at Evansville Friday
Tied at one set apiece entering the third set Friday at Evansville, the Valparaiso University volleyball team rolled to a win in the third set and then won the key points late in the fourth set in a 3-1 (25-12, 18-25, 25-15, 25-22) victory over the Purple Aces. Freshman libero Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) broke Valpo’s record for digs in a season by a freshman in the victory.
11/8/2017
Volleyball Heads Out For Final Regular Season Road Trip
With just four matches remaining in the regular season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team heads on the road for the final time for a pair of key MVC contests, as the Crusaders take on Evansville Friday night and Indiana State Saturday evening. Both matches are against teams battling with Valpo for spots in the MVC Tournament.
11/4/2017
Volleyball Bounces Back With Sweep of Bradley
The Valparaiso University volleyball team rolled to a key Missouri Valley Conference victory over Bradley Saturday evening at the ARC, downing the Braves in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-16).
11/3/2017
Volleyball Falls to Illinois State Friday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team battled against Illinois State in Missouri Valley Conference action Friday night, but the Redbirds earned key points late in all three sets as the Crusaders fell 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 26-24).
11/1/2017
Volleyball Handles Chicago State in Mid-Week Sweep
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out its 2017 non-conference slate at Chicago State Wednesday evening with a win, sweeping the host Cougars in straight sets (25-17, 25-18, 25-23).
10/31/2017
Busy Stretch Continues For Volleyball This Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will keep busy this week, facing three opponents in the span of four nights. The Crusaders will make the short trip to Chicago for their final non-conference match of the year Wednesday night against Chicago State before returning home to the ARC for a weekend of MVC play against Illinois State Friday evening and Bradley Saturday night.
10/30/2017
Crusaders Battle Conference Leader Missouri State Monday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team stood strong with a showdown against MVC leader Missouri State on Monday evening in Springfield, Mo., but in the end, the Bears emerged with a 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19) victory. Missouri State entered the match just outside the top-25 in the latest AVCA national poll.
10/27/2017
Volleyball Sweeps Loyola Friday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team earned its fourth sweep in the last five matches on Friday evening at the ARC, using a balanced team effort to take down Loyola, 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-22), in Missouri Valley Conference action. With her final dig of the night, redshirt junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) moved into a tie for tenth place in program history for career digs.
10/26/2017
Valley Play Rolls On For Volleyball
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out the month of October with a pair of Valley matches this weekend. The Crusaders host travel partner Loyola at the ARC on Friday night before making the trip to Springfield, Mo. to face conference leader Missouri State for the first time this season on Monday evening. Friday night's match is Student Appreciation Night at the ARC, with the first 200 students in attendance receiving a free t-shirt.
10/23/2017
Bronner Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso University junior middle hitter Sydney Bronner (Frankenmuth, Mich./Frankenmuth) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after totaling 14 blocks in a pair of matches for the Crusaders last weekend.
10/21/2017
Crusaders Drop Valiant Battle at #25 UNI
The Valparaiso University volleyball team stood toe-to-toe with perennial MVC power and nationally-ranked UNI Saturday evening in Cedar Falls, Iowa and earned a match-point chance in the fourth set, but in the end, the Panthers came out on top in a 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 22-25, 29-27, 15-9) final.
10/20/2017
Crusaders Sweep Drake On the Road Friday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team avenged one of its early conference losses on Friday evening in Des Moines, Iowa, as the Crusaders easily handled Drake for a 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-15) road victory.
10/17/2017
Volleyball Sweeps Fort Wayne Tuesday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team extended its non-conference winning streak to six consecutive matches on Tuesday evening at the ARC, earning its second straight sweep in a 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-22) victory over Fort Wayne.
10/16/2017
Crusaders Face Three Matches This Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out a quick three-match homestand with a non-conference matchup against Fort Wayne at home on Tuesday. The Crusaders then take the road as they hit the halfway mark of MVC play, traveling to take on Drake and UNI. Tuesday's match will be a "Two-Fer Tuesday", as fans can buy one ticket and get one free!
10/14/2017
Volleyball Bounces Back With Sweep of Evansville Saturday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out the weekend of MVC action on a high note on Saturday evening at the ARC, putting together one of its best performances of the year in a 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-18) sweep of Evansville.
10/13/2017
Zaleski Sets Career High For Crusaders Friday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball received a career-high 12 kills Friday night from junior Lizzie Zaleski (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist), but the Crusaders fell at the ARC to Indiana State, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22).
10/11/2017
Volleyball Returns to the ARC This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team returns home to the ARC this week as it continues Missouri Valley Conference action against a pair of in-state foes. Indiana State comes to town on Friday for the Crusaders' annual breast cancer awareness match, and Evansville wraps up the weekend on Saturday.
10/7/2017
Volleyball Comes Up Just Short Saturday at Illinois State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team took the first two sets at Illinois State Saturday evening as it took aim at completing a weekend sweep in MVC action, but the Redbirds came back and won the final three sets as the Crusaders fell, 3-2 (19-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-12).
10/6/2017
Volleyball Sweeps Bradley For MVC Road Victory
A stout defense led the way once again for the Valparaiso University volleyball team on Friday evening, as the Crusaders secured their second straight road win in MVC play with a three-set sweep at Bradley (25-18, 25-17, 25-22).
10/4/2017
Volleyball Heads Back on the Road This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads to central Illinois this weekend to continue MVC play, playing at Bradley on Friday evening before heading to Illinois State on Saturday night. The Crusaders are coming off of their first MVC victory on Sunday at Loyola.
10/1/2017
Volleyball Picks Up First MVC Victory at Loyola
The Valparaiso University volleyball team earned its first victory as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference on Sunday afternoon, going on the road to Loyola and downing the Ramblers in four sets (25-19, 25-15, 18-25, 25-16).
9/29/2017
Volleyball Continues MVC Play Sunday at Loyola
The Valparaiso University volleyball team continues a string of four consecutive road matches on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders make the short trip to Chicago to face off with Loyola.
9/25/2017
Graboski Reaches Milestone Monday at SIU
Valparaiso University volleyball senior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) reached 1,000 career kills Monday evening as part of a stellar all-around outing, but it wouldn’t be enough for the Crusaders to come out victors at Southern Illinois, as the host Salukis downed Valpo, 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 26-24).
9/23/2017
Volleyball Drops Saturday Match to Drake
Playing in sweltering heat for a second consecutive night, the Valparaiso University volleyball team came up just short in three close sets Saturday evening at the ARC against Drake (25-23, 25-22, 29-27) in Missouri Valley Conference action.
9/22/2017
Volleyball Battles #22 UNI In First MVC Home Contest
The Valparaiso University volleyball team welcomed #22 UNI to the ARC in the Crusaders’ first-ever home Missouri Valley Conference match in any sport Friday evening and claimed the second set from the Panthers to even the match at 1-1, but UNI eventually emerged with a 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16) victory in both teams’ conference opener.
9/19/2017
Volleyball To Host First MVC Home Event As Conference Play Opens
Friday night will be a special night at the ARC, as Valparaiso University hosts its first Missouri Valley Conference event in any sport when nationally-ranked UNI visits to take on the Crusader volleyball team to open conference play. Valpo will then play host to Drake Saturday night before hitting the road for a Monday night conference match at Southern Illinois.
9/18/2017
Anderson Named MVC Freshman of the Week
On the back of a trio of strong performances last week and an All-Tournament Team award at Western Illinois, Valparaiso University freshman setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
9/16/2017
Bronner Named Tournament MVP; Anderson, Graboski All-Tournament
After earning the tournament title at Western Illinois’ Buffalo Wild Wings Invitational this weekend, the Valparaiso University volleyball team placed three players on the All-Tournament Team – led by junior middle Sydney Bronner (Frankenmuth, Mich./Frankenmuth), who was named Tournament MVP. Bronner was joined on the All-Tournament Team by freshman setter Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and senior middle Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky).
9/15/2017
Volleyball Wins Pair of Matches to Claim BWW Invitational Title
The Valparaiso University volleyball team dug deep to secure the Buffalo Wild Wings Invitational championship Friday in Macomb, Ill., posting one of the top dig totals in a four-set match in program history in a 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19) victory over McNeese Friday evening. Earlier in the day, Valpo took care of business against host Western Illinois, sweeping the Leathernecks in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-19). The Crusaders have now won five consecutive matches entering Missouri Valley Conference play next weekend.
9/13/2017
Volleyball Takes Down EIU In Home Opener
In front of a great crowd at the ARC in its home opener on Tuesday night, the Valparaiso University volleyball team put together a strong all-around performance in a 3-1 (25-13, 25-17, 18-25, 25-14) victory in non-conference action over Eastern Illinois. Redshirt junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) set a new career best in the win with 29 digs, while freshman Ally Cummings (Novi, Mich./Novi) led the way offensively with a season-high 15 kills on .394 hitting.
9/12/2017
Volleyball Opens At Home, Closes Pre-Conference Schedule
The Valparaiso University volleyball team gets its first chance to play in front of its home fans on Wednesday evening as the Crusaders host Eastern Illinois at the ARC. The final early-season tournament is on the docket for this weekend, with matchups against Western Illinois and McNeese State at WIU's Buffalo Wild Wings Invitational.
9/11/2017
Volleyball Season Tickets Available Now
Season tickets for the 2017 Valparaiso University volleyball team’s home schedule at the ARC are available through the athletics ticket office. Season tickets are currently priced at just $25 apiece as a special deal to celebrate Valpo's first season in the Missouri Valley Conference, include a ticket to each of Valpo’s 11 home matches and will be on sale through Saturday, Sept. 23 at the special discounted rate.
9/9/2017
Volleyball Earns Pair Of Victories To Close Cornell Invitational
The Valparaiso University volleyball team ensured a happy trip home from New York on Saturday as the Crusaders earned a pair of four-set victories to finish off play at the Cornell Invitational, downing Binghamton 3-1 (25-17, 25-18, 19-25, 25-20) in the early afternoon before capping off the tournament with a 3-1 (32-30, 25-22, 21-25, 25-17) victory over the Big Red. Junior Sydney Bronner, who set a pair of new career highs versus Cornell, represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team as the Crusaders tied St. John’s and Cornell for the tournament’s best record at 2-1.
9/8/2017
Volleyball Opens Cornell Invitational Friday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team opened play at the Cornell Invitational on Friday afternoon against St. John’s, but was unable to top their Big East opponent despite a strong offensive match from Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky), falling to the Red Storm 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14).
9/7/2017
Volleyball Heads to Cornell Invitational
Early-season tournament action continues for the Valparaiso University volleyball program this week with a trip to Ithaca, N.Y. for the Cornell Invitational. The Crusaders, who enter the weekend leading the nation in digs, will face off with St. John's and Binghamton before concluding tournament play against the host Big Red.
9/5/2017
Cookerly Named MVC Freshman of the Week
Valparaiso University volleyball freshman Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week after another strong set of performances last weekend at libero for the Crusaders.
9/3/2017
Ally Cummings Earns All-Tournament Accolades
Valparaiso University volleyball freshman Ally Cummings (Novi, Mich./Novi) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the Jackrabbits Invitational. Cummings is the third Valpo rookie to earn All-Tournament honors in the first two weeks of the season.
9/2/2017
Volleyball Closes Weekend With Victory
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out action from the Jackrabbits Invitational in Brookings, S.D. on Saturday on a winning note, sweeping host South Dakota State in three straight sets (25-15, 25-23, 25-23).
9/1/2017
Volleyball Drops Pair of Matches Friday in South Dakota
The Valparaiso University volleyball team kicked off the Jackrabbits Invitational from Brookings, S.D. on Friday, falling 3-1 to CSU Bakersfield (27-29, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22) and 3-0 to Northern Arizona (25-19, 25-22, 25-19). In the third set of the opener against CSU Bakersfield, redshirt junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) surpassed the 1,000-dig milestone for her career.
8/31/2017
Volleyball Continues Early-Season Action In South Dakota
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads north for the second of four early-season tournaments this weekend, traveling to Brookings, S.D. for the Jackrabbits Invitational. The Crusaders will face off with Cal State Bakersfield and Northern Arizona on Friday before taking on the hosts from South Dakota State on Saturday.
8/26/2017
Crusaders Take Down Rhode Island On Final Day at Notre Dame
The Valparaiso University volleyball team split a pair of matches on the final day of action at the Golden Dome Invitational from Notre Dame, Ind., falling to New Mexico State, 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20) before sweeping Rhode Island, 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-17) on Saturday. Two of Valpo’s freshmen – Brittany Anderson (East Chicago, Ind./Bishop Noll) and Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) – represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
8/25/2017
Cookerly Sets Valpo Program Record in Debut Versus Notre Dame
The Valparaiso University volleyball program boasts a strong tradition of successful liberos, but freshman Rylee Cookerly (Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg) topped them all on Friday, setting a new program single-match record with 43 digs as the Crusaders battled with ACC foe Notre Dame in an eventual 3-1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-9) defeat in their season opener.
8/24/2017
Volleyball Heads to Notre Dame to Open 2017 Season
The Valparaiso University volleyball team kicks off the 2017 season this weekend with its first of four early-season tournaments, making the short trip east on the Indiana Toll Road to Notre Dame for the Golden Dome Invitational. Valpo will face the host Fighting Irish on Friday evening at 6 p.m. CT before taking on New Mexico State and Rhode Island on Saturday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
8/21/2017
Volleyball Season Preview
A program which has enjoyed a sustained level of success few programs can match over the past 15 years, the Valparaiso University volleyball team finds itself in the position of being a hunter in its first season of Missouri Valley Conference competition in 2017.
8/16/2017
Volleyball Tabbed Seventh In MVC Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso University volleyball team has been chosen to finish in seventh place in the Missouri Valley Conference in its first season as a Valley member in 2017, according to preseason polling of the league’s head coaches.
7/24/2017
Crusaders Claim AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2016-17 academic year, as announced by the AVCA today. It marks the 12th time in the last 14 seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award. In addition, Valpo was named to the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative team GPA which ranks among the top-25 in Division I volleyball.
7/18/2017
Valpo Volleyball Announces 2017 Schedule
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the Crusaders’ schedule for the upcoming 2017 season as Valpo prepares for its first season of action in the Missouri Valley Conference.
7/13/2017
Valpo In The Valley: Volleyball
Continuing the #ValpoInTheValley series, which will take a look at each of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 17 sports, is volleyball. Learn about the landscape of The Valley in volleyball, how Valpo has fared against opponents from The Valley in the past, and hear from head coach Carin Avery as she talks about what the program is looking forward to entering its first season of MVC competition and who will lead the way in 2017 for her team.
5/25/2017
Valparaiso University to Join Missouri Valley Conference
Valparaiso University president Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., announced today that the University has accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1, 2017. The Crusaders will begin competing for MVC championships in the 2017–2018 academic year.
4/17/2017
Brys Signs With Crusader Volleyball Program
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Marissa Brys, an outside hitter from Washington Township H.S., has signed with the Crusader volleyball program and will join Valpo as a freshman for the 2017 season.
3/30/2017
Crusader Volleyball to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 10-13, 2017 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12.
3/23/2017
Crusaders Announce 2017 Spring Schedule
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today her team’s schedule for the spring season, including a home date at the ARC against Western Michigan on Friday, April 7 at 6 p.m.
12/27/2016
Longoria Story Among Season's Most Popular
The story on Valpo volleyball senior Morganne Longoria and how she uniquely filled the roles of libero and setter simultaneously for the Crusaders over the final half of the season made national news among the volleyball community in 2016. At year's end, the VolleyballMag.com article on Longoria's efforts was the website's third-most widely read story from the 2016 season.
11/18/2016
Crusaders Fall In Hard-Fought Battle at Horizon League Championship
In a match which seemed to encapsulate the season in a single contest, the sixth-seeded Valparaiso University volleyball team fought to the very end against third-seeded Northern Kentucky in a first-round matchup at the Horizon League Championship Friday before the Norse came out with the 3-2 (20-25, 29-27, 25-27, 25-21, 15-11) victory to end the Crusaders’ season.
11/17/2016
Volleyball Heads to Horizon League Championship
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads to Cleveland, Ohio for the 2016 Horizon League Championship this weekend. The Crusaders, who are the tournament's sixth seed, will face off against third-seeded Northern Kentucky in the first round on Friday.
11/16/2016
Crusader Volleyball Announces Addition of Six Newcomers
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that the Crusaders have signed a talented group of six newcomers during the early signing period who will join the Valpo program as freshmen for the 2017 season.
11/15/2016
Longoria Named Defensive Player of the Year; Campbell Earns Honorable Mention Accolades
Following a tremendous senior season, Valparaiso University libero Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and has been voted to the All-League Team, as announced today by the league office. In addition, fellow senior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) was named an Honorable Mention All-League selection.
11/12/2016
Crusaders Fall in Regular Season Finale
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out the regular season Saturday evening in Milwaukee, Wis., falling to the Panthers of Milwaukee in straight sets (25-11, 25-16, 25-23). The Crusaders had already clinched a berth into the Horizon League Championship by virtue of Friday night’s results and will head to the league tournament next weekend in Cleveland as the sixth seed.
11/11/2016
Carlson, Bruinsma Earn Academic All-League Honors
The Valparaiso University volleyball team had a pair of players honored as the Horizon League announced its volleyball Academic All-League recipients on Friday, as senior Rachel Bruinsma (New Era, Mich./Western Michigan Christian) and sophomore Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) earned the award for their performance on the court and in the classroom.
11/9/2016
Volleyball Closes Home Slate With Win Over Oakland
The Valparaiso University volleyball team finished out its 2016 home schedule at the ARC on Wednesday evening with a key 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 17-25, 25-22) victory over Oakland in Horizon League play. Playing in her final home match, senior Jamie Lacheta (Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw) set a new career high with 16 kills.
11/8/2016
Volleyball Faces Final Regular Season Tests
The Valparaiso University volleyball team finishes up the 2016 regular season this week with a pair of matches as the Crusaders fight to secure a spot in the Horizon League Championship. Valpo closes out its home slate Wednesday, hosting Oakland at 6 p.m., and then goes on the road Saturday afternoon to conclude the regular season at Milwaukee.
11/5/2016
Five-Set Match Goes Against Crusaders Saturday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team led Green Bay in Horizon League play Saturday evening at the ARC, two sets to one, but the Phoenix claimed the final two sets to earn the 3-2 win and spoil the Crusaders’ Senior Night.
11/4/2016
Crusaders Sweep UIC Friday Evening
The Valparaiso University volleyball team took care of business Friday night at the ARC in Horizon League action, sweeping visiting UIC, 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-15).
11/3/2016
Volleyball Returns to ARC This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team opens its final homestand of the year at the ARC this weekend, as the Crusaders host a pair of crucial Horizon League matchups against UIC Friday evening and Green Bay Saturday afternoon. Saturday will be Valpo's Senior Day, as the team honors its six seniors following the match.
10/31/2016
Out of system has new meaning for Longoria
Valparaiso University senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) entered her final season as a Crusader already having continued the program's legacy of strong libero play. But Longoria, head coach Carin Avery, and the rest of the team could never have imagined the role Longoria would be called on to fill this season - setting full-time while also playing libero.
10/29/2016
Volleyball Earns Four-Set Win Over Youngstown State
16 kills apiece from senior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) and junior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) led the way for the Valparaiso University volleyball team Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders closed the weekend on a winning note, earning a 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-18) victory at Youngstown State. Senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) moved into the Crusaders’ single-season top-10 in digs during the victory.
10/28/2016
Crusaders Fall at Cleveland State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team found its attack slowed down by league-leading Cleveland State Friday evening in Cleveland, Ohio, as the Vikings dealt the Crusaders a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-17) defeat.
10/25/2016
Volleyball Takes Down Fort Wayne Tuesday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team continued its strong play despite its out-of-system offensive system Tuesday night in its final non-league matchup of the year at Fort Wayne, downing the Mastodons by a 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 28-26, 25-22) final. Morganne Longoria finished with 28 assists and 24 digs, while Katherine Carlson was just two assists shy of her second triple-double in the last three matches.
10/24/2016
Volleyball Goes On the Road For Three This Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team faces its final non-league match of the season Tuesday evening at Fort Wayne before heading to northeast Ohio, taking on Cleveland State on Friday night and Youngstown State on Saturday afternoon.
10/24/2016
Longoria Repeats As League Player of the Week
Valparaiso University senior libero Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) has repeated as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week after another strong week setting in addition to her back-row duties.
10/22/2016
Volleyball Takes Loss Against NKU Saturday
Coming off a hard-fought win on Friday night, the Valparaiso University volleyball team was unable to slow down Northern Kentucky on Saturday, as the Crusaders fell to the Norse by a 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-19) final at the ARC.
10/21/2016
Crusaders Prevail In Defensive Standoff With Wright State
In a match featuring more total attacks and digs than any other this season in NCAA Division I volleyball, the Valparaiso University volleyball team came out on the right end of the defensive battle with Wright State in Horizon League play Friday evening at the ARC, downing the Raiders by a 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 15-11) final. Sophomore Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) finished with the first triple-double by a Crusader player since 2010, while senior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) set a new program record for attacks in a single match.
10/18/2016
Crusaders Earn Road Sweep at Chicago State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team stepped out of Horizon League play Tuesday evening with a short trip to Chicago State, coming away with a 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-16) sweep of the Cougars.
10/17/2016
Volleyball Faces Three-Match Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads into a key upcoming weekend of Horizon League action with a mid-week tuneup at Chicago State Tuesday evening. The Crusaders then host Wright State at the ARC Friday night and Northern Kentucky Saturday afternoon.
10/17/2016
Longoria Earns Defensive Player of the Week Honor
Following a week in which she reached 2,000 career digs while also filling a role thought to be unprecedented in Division I volleyball, senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week.
10/15/2016
Crusaders Fall to Milwaukee Saturday Evening
Again playing without a traditional setter due to injuries, the Valparaiso University volleyball team battled gamely with perennial Horizon League power Milwaukee Saturday evening at the ARC, as the Crusaders nearly set a program single-match record for blocks in a 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 16-25, 25-22) loss to the Panthers. Along the way, seniors Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) and Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) both reached career milestones for their defensive work - Longoria recording her 2,000th career dig and Campbell joining Valpo's 1,000 kill/1,000 dig club.
10/12/2016
Resilient Crusaders Earn Sweep Of Oakland In Remarkable Effort
Ravaged by injuries this season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team faced its biggest challenge of the season and one of the biggest challenges a volleyball team could face – heading into a match without either of its setters – head-on at league-leading Oakland and came out on the other side with the most remarkable of victories, sweeping the Golden Grizzlies (25-22, 28-26, 25-23) in Horizon League action Wednesday evening.
10/11/2016
Crusaders Reach Halfway Point of League Campaign
The Valparaiso University volleyball team continues Horizon League play with a pair of matches this week, closing out a four-match road trip at Oakland on Wednesday evening before returning home to the ARC to host Milwaukee Saturday evening. Saturday's match against the Panthers will serve as the Crusaders' annual breast cancer awareness match, as survivors of breast cancer will be honored prior to the match.
10/8/2016
Crusaders Drop Heartbreaker at Wright State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team looked poised to earn a road win Saturday afternoon at Wright State after capturing the first two sets, but the Raiders rallied to deal the Crusaders a 3-2 defeat (23-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-11).
10/7/2016
Shorthanded Crusaders Fall at Northern Kentucky
The Valparaiso University volleyball team, still playing without a number of regulars up front, fell Friday night in Horizon League play, 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-18), at Northern Kentucky as it continued a four-match stretch away from home.
10/4/2016
Longoria Matches Career High; Crusaders Sweep WIU
Valparaiso University senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) tied her career high for digs as the Crusaders stepped out of league play and earned a 3-0 (25-12, 26-24, 25-21) sweep at former Mid-Con rival Western Illinois Tuesday evening.
10/3/2016
Volleyball Set to Hit Road Again
The Valparaiso University volleyball team hits the road this week for a trio of matches. The Crusaders will briefly step away from Horizon League play with a mid-week contest at Western Illinois on Tuesday before heading south to face Northern Kentucky Friday night and Wright State on Saturday afternoon.
10/1/2016
Volleyball Drops League Battle With Cleveland State
Sophomore Lizzie Zaleski (Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist) nearly became the first Crusader in six years to post a triple-double on Saturday, but the Valparaiso University volleyball team fell in four sets (25-23, 24-26, 25-18, 25-21) to Cleveland State at the ARC. Along the way, senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) moved into third place in program history in career digs.
9/30/2016
Crusaders Fall in Five-Set Heartbreaker
The Valparaiso University volleyball team found itself two points away from victory in its Horizon League home opener Friday evening at the ARC versus Youngstown State, but the Penguins put together a run to claim the fourth set and then took control in the fifth set to deal the Crusaders a 3-2 (25-17, 16-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13) defeat.
9/29/2016
Volleyball Ready to Return to the ARC
The Valparaiso University volleyball team returns home to the ARC as Horizon League play continues this weekend. The Crusaders will host Youngstown State on Friday evening before taking on defending league champion Cleveland Saturday afternoon. The first 200 students to Friday night's match will receive free Valpo volleyball t-shirts, while Saturday's match against the Vikings will serve as the volleyball program's TOCO fundraiser match, in conjunction Saturday night with men's soccer.
9/24/2016
Crusaders Rally For Five-Set Win at UIC
Valparaiso University junior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) smashed her previous career best with 24 kills and the Crusaders earned their first Horizon League win in style Saturday in Chicago, rallying from two sets down to top UIC, 3-2 (19-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-7).
9/23/2016
Volleyball Falls in League Opener
After splitting the first two sets of its Horizon League opener Friday evening, the Valparaiso University volleyball team battled deep into extra points with Green Bay in the third set, but the Phoenix prevailed to take the lead and carried the momentum into the fourth set to deal the Crusaders a 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 30-28, 25-17) setback.
9/21/2016
Volleyball Opens Horizon League Play This Weekend
Following an injury-riddled early-season slate, the Valparaiso University volleyball team looks to get back on track as Horizon League play opens this weekend. The Crusaders will start the league season on the road, with matches Friday evening at Green Bay and Saturday afternoon at UIC.
9/18/2016
Graboski Earns All-Tournament Accolade
Valparaiso University junior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) represented the Crusader volleyball team on the All-Tournament Team this weekend at the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge.
9/17/2016
Crusaders Fall to UNC Greensboro
In a tightly-contested match to close out play at the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge on Saturday, the Valparaiso University volleyball team dropped a 3-1 (27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 28-26) decision to UNC Greensboro.
9/16/2016
Volleyball Drops Pair at Ball State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team opened play at its final pre-league tournament of the season Friday with a pair of matches at the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge. The Crusaders fell 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-18) to #19 Ohio State to open the tournament and then dropped a four-set decision (25-23, 25-9, 21-25, 25-17) to the host Cardinals Friday night.
9/13/2016
Crusaders Fall at Bowling Green
Taking on its first mid-week opponent of the season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team fell in three sets (25-8, 25-23, 25-21) at Bowling Green Tuesday evening.
9/12/2016
Volleyball Set For Four-Match Week
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will complete one final week of non-league competition before jumping into the Horizon League slate next weekend. The Crusaders will travel to Bowling Green for a mid-week match on Tuesday evening before heading to Muncie, Ind. for the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge this weekend, where they will face #19 Ohio State and UNC Greensboro in addition to the host Cardinals.
9/10/2016
Avery Earns 400th Career Victory as Volleyball Splits Saturday
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery earned the 400th victory of her coaching career Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders defeated South Dakota State 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-15) in the Popcorn Classic at the Courts of NWI. Valpo fell in its tournament finale to Duquesne, 3-1 (25-16, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17). The Crusaders were represented on the All-Tournament Team by senior libero Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington).
9/9/2016
Volleyball Splits On Opening Day of Popcorn Classic
The Valparaiso University volleyball team split two matches on the first of two days of action in the Popcorn Classic on Friday. The Crusaders swept SE Missouri State (25-19, 25-19, 25-19) in the early afternoon at the ARC, but fell Friday night at the Courts of NWI to Central Michigan in four sets (25-22, 20-25, 25-17, 25-13). Saturday's tournament matches will be held at the Courts of NWI.
9/9/2016
Popcorn Classic Action Moved
Due to court conditions, the remainder of volleyball's Popcorn Classic has been moved to the Courts of NWI (127 E US-6 Frontage Rd, Valparaiso, IN). Friday night's match between Valparaiso and Duquesne will now begin at 7:30 p.m., while all four of Saturday's matches will remain on the same time schedule.
9/8/2016
Volleyball To Host Popcorn Classic This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will host its ninth in-season tournament in the last 15 years this weekend, as the Crusaders welcome SE Missouri State, Central Michigan, South Dakota State and Duquesne to the ARC for the Popcorn Classic. The two-day, eight-match event begins Friday morning at 10 a.m., with Valpo's first match beginning at 12:30 p.m.
9/3/2016
Crusaders Take Down APSU To Close Out Trojan Invitational
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will come home to the ARC on a two-match winning streak, as the Crusaders closed out action at this weekend’s Trojan Invitational in Troy, Ala. with a 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 18-25, 25-21) win Saturday afternoon over Austin Peay.
9/2/2016
Crusaders Earn Split On First Day Of Trojan Invitational
The Valparaiso University volleyball team split a pair of matches on the first day of competition at the Trojan Invitational in Troy, Ala. on Friday. Valpo fell, 3-0, to defending WAC champion New Mexico State (25-9, 25-19, 25-21) in its first match of the tournament, but bounced back in the evening with a 3-1 (15-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-17) victory over host Troy.
9/1/2016
Valpo Heads South To Continue Early-Season Play
The Valparaiso University volleyball team returns to action this weekend as the Crusaders travel south to Troy, Ala. to take part in the Trojan Invitational. Valpo will face New Mexico State and the host Trojans on Friday before concluding the tournament versus Austin Peay on Saturday.
8/28/2016
Campbell, Graboski Earn All-Tournament Team Honors
Valparaiso University volleyball senior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) and junior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) were named to the All-Tournament Team this weekend at the Black Knights Invitational as they helped lead the Crusaders to a 2-1 record on the opening weekend of action.
8/27/2016
Crusaders Rally For Five-Set Win Over Army West Point
Facing host Army West Point in its finale at the Black Knights Invitational Saturday afternoon, the Valparaiso University volleyball team rallied from down two sets to one to earn a 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, 15-12) victory to close out the opening weekend of play. Junior Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) led the Crusader challenge, matching her career high with 15 kills without committing an attack error.
8/26/2016
Volleyball Splits on Opening Day of Black Knights Invite
The Valparaiso University volleyball team split a pair of matches to open up the 2016 season Friday at Army West Point’s Black Knights Invitational. The Crusaders downed CSU Bakersfield 3-1 (18-25, 25-21, 25-22, 30-28) in the morning opener, but fell to Hofstra 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-6) later in the evening.
8/24/2016
Crusader Volleyball Set to Open Season Friday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team kicks off the 2016 season this weekend with its first of four early-season tournaments, making the trip to West Point for the Black Knights Invitational. The Crusaders, who return 12 of 14 letterwinners from last season’s 27-win team, will face CSU Bakersfield and Hofstra in addition to host Army West Point on the opening weekend.
8/18/2016
Valpo Volleyball Chosen Second in Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso University volleyball team has been picked to finish in second place in the Horizon League during the 2016 season, according to preseason polling of the league’s head coaches. The Crusaders received four first-place votes, matching Cleveland State for the most first-place votes received.
7/27/2016
Crusaders Claim AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2015-16 academic year, as announced by the AVCA this week. It marks the 11th time in the last 13 seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award.
7/13/2016
Ament Closes Out Playing Career With Crusaders
After two seasons of competition with the Valparaiso University volleyball team, Catherine Ament (New Carlisle, Ind./New Prairie) has been forced to step away from playing due to being medically unable to compete and will be considered a medical non-counter. Despite no longer being able to contribute on the court, Ament will remain a part of the Crusader volleyball program as a student assistant.
6/15/2016
Crusader Volleyball Releases Schedule For 2016 Season
Valparaiso University volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today her program’s schedule for the upcoming 2016 campaign. The Crusaders graduate just one senior from last season’s 27-win squad, which tied for the second-most wins in a single year in program history.
4/18/2016
Crusader Volleyball to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 11-14, 2016 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12.
1/22/2016
Six Crusaders Earn Fall Academic All-League Honors
Six Valparaiso University student-athletes earned spots on the Horizon League Fall Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office this morning. The men’s soccer program had two student-athletes honored, while women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s cross country and women’s cross country each boasted one honoree.
11/30/2015
Alana Brown Signs With Volleyball Program
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Alana Brown, a defensive specialist out of Vintage H.S. in Napa, Calif., has signed with the Crusader volleyball program and will join the team as a freshman for the 2016 season.
11/22/2015
Crusaders’ Run Comes Up Short in HL Championship Match
The Valparaiso University volleyball team came up one step shy of claiming the Horizon League tournament championship, as the Crusaders fell in the title match to top-seeded Cleveland State 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-18) Sunday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio. Senior setter Kelsey Berrington (Britton, Mich./Tecumseh) and sophomore outside hitter Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team.
11/21/2015
Valpo Rolls Into Horizon League Championship Match
The Valparaiso University volleyball team moved one step away from capturing the Horizon League title and the corresponding automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, as the third-seeded Crusaders defeated second-seeded Oakland Saturday evening, 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 32-30, 25-21), in semifinal action at the Horizon League Championship in Cleveland, Ohio. With the win, the Crusaders will face top-seeded Cleveland State for the title Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT.
11/20/2015
Crusaders Head to HL Semifinals With Five-Set Win Over Milwaukee
It was a gutsy performance by the Valparaiso University volleyball team on Friday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio, as Valpo rallied from down two sets to one to take down Milwaukee, 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-11) in the opening round of the Horizon League Championship. With the win, the third-seeded Crusaders will take on second-seeded Oakland in the semifinals Saturday at 4:30 p.m. CT.
11/19/2015
Crusaders Head to Cleveland For HL Volleyball Championship
The Valparaiso University volleyball team heads off to the 2015 Horizon League Volleyball Championship this weekend in search of the league tournament title and the automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. The Crusaders, who earned the third seed for the tournament, will take on sixth-seeded Milwaukee Friday on the first day of the three-day tournament.
11/16/2015
Four Volleyball Players Earn Horizon League Honors
The Valparaiso University volleyball team had four players earn Horizon League postseason accolades, as the league announced its annual award winners on Monday. Junior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) and sophomore Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) both were All-League honorees, while rookies Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) and Kayla Currier (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) earned spots on the league’s All-Freshman squad.
11/14/2015
Berrington Sent Out a Winner on Senior Day
The Valparaiso University volleyball team made sure its lone senior, setter Kelsey Berrington (Britton, Mich./Tecumseh), would go out a winner in her final career match at the ARC, as the Crusaders downed league regular season champion Cleveland State Saturday evening, 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18). Valpo heads to the Horizon League Championship in Cleveland next weekend as the third seed, and will face sixth-seeded Milwaukee Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. CT.
11/13/2015
Volleyball Cruises to Win Over Penguins
The Valparaiso University volleyball team hardly took a misstep on the attack Friday evening in a Horizon League matchup with Youngstown State at the ARC as the Crusaders rolled to a 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-13) sweep of the Penguins. With the win, Valpo improved to 24-7 overall and 10-4 in league play, securing the third seed for the upcoming Horizon League Championship.
11/11/2015
Regular Season to Close Out for Volleyball This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out the regular season with a pair of home matches this weekend, hosting Youngstown State for a special 5 p.m. first serve on Friday before welcoming league leader Cleveland State on Saturday at 4 p.m. Friday will serve as the program’s Honor Your Professor night, the first 200 fans in attendance will receive free t-shirts and a purchase of one game ticket for Friday night grants admission to both athletic events. On Saturday, the Crusaders will honor their lone senior, Kelsey Berrington, following the match with a Senior Day ceremony.
11/7/2015
Volleyball Road Swing Ends With Loss at Milwaukee
The Valparaiso University volleyball team fell short in its quest to make it a perfect four-match road swing in Horizon League play, as the Crusaders suffered a 3-1 (25-21, 25-19, 29-31, 25-21) defeat Saturday afternoon at Milwaukee.
11/6/2015
Crusaders Earn Third Consecutive Sweep Friday
For the second straight match, the Valparaiso University volleyball team avenged a loss from earlier in the Horizon League slate, as the Crusaders went on the road Friday night and downed Green Bay, 3-0 (28-26, 25-21, 25-17).
11/5/2015
Volleyball Heads to Wisconsin This Weekend
Having already clinched a spot in the upcoming Horizon League Championship, the Valparaiso University volleyball team looks to secure its position in the league standings this week and even make a possible push for a top-two spot with two more road matches. The Crusaders look for revenge Friday night at Green Bay for a loss earlier this season, and close out the Wisconsin road swing at Milwaukee on Saturday afternoon.
10/31/2015
Art of the Comeback: Volleyball Sweeps Oakland Thanks to Late Pushes
Down 21-20 late in the first set? No problem. Trailing 23-20 in the second set? No big deal. Facing a 22-17 deficit in the third set? Shake it off. The Valparaiso University volleyball team strung together points late in all three sets to overcome those deficits and earn a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 27-25) sweep at defending league champion Oakland in Rochester, Mich. on Saturday afternoon.
10/27/2015
Crusaders Stellar In Road Sweep of UIC
The Valparaiso University volleyball team put together a strong match Tuesday evening in Chicago, Ill. to earn a Horizon League road sweep of UIC (25-15, 25-19, 25-20). Emily Campbell moved in Valpo's all-time top-10 in career kills in the win.
10/26/2015
Volleyball Set To Start Road Stretch
The Valparaiso University volleyball team will become familiar with its bus over the next two weeks, as the Crusaders kick off a four-match stretch of road contests with two road matches this week. Valpo makes the short trip west across the state line to take on UIC Tuesday night, and then heads up to Michigan to face off with Oakland Saturday afternoon.
10/24/2015
Crusaders Fall to NKU Saturday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team was unable to overcome one of the nation’s top blocking performances of the season Saturday, as the Crusaders fell in a Horizon League contest at the ARC to Northern Kentucky, 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13).
10/23/2015
Crusaders Reach 20 Wins With Sweep of Wright State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team reached the 20-win milestone for the 14th consecutive season on Friday evening at the ARC and did so in emphatic fashion, sweeping Wright State, 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-21) in Horizon League action.
10/22/2015
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week, looking at the Horizon League at the halfway point of the league slate and talking about how the Crusaders have overcome some recent adversity by taking advantage of their versatility.
10/21/2015
Crusaders Earn Win Over IPFW Wednesday Evening
The Valparaiso University volleyball team took down an in-state foe Wednesday evening, in the process moving within one victory of hitting the 20-win milestone for a 14th straight season, as the Crusaders defeated IPFW at the ARC, 3-1 (25-27, 26-24, 25-17, 25-21).
10/20/2015
Volleyball Returns Home For Three Matches
The Valparaiso University volleyball team returns home to the ARC again this week, as the Crusaders will host three matches over a four-day stretch. The homestand opens Wednesday evening with a non-league showdown against IPFW, before the Crusaders return to league play Friday versus Wright State and Saturday versus Northern Kentucky. Valpo enters the week just two wins shy of reaching the 20-win milestone for a 14th straight season.
10/19/2015
Campbell Named Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso University junior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week after reaching the 1,000-kill milestone last weekend.
10/17/2015
Campbell Picks Up 1,000th Kill as Crusaders Take Down YSU
Facing its second five-set match in less than 24 hours, the Valparaiso University volleyball team rallied from down two sets to one to come out with a 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-20, 15-11) road win at Youngstown State Saturday afternoon. Fittingly, the match ended on a kill from Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central), as earlier in the match, the junior became the 14th player in Crusader program history to surpass 1,000 career kills.
10/16/2015
Crusaders Drop Heartbreaker at Cleveland State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team looked poised to move into a tie for first place on the road in Cleveland, Ohio, but host Cleveland State rallied to defeat the Crusaders, 3-2 (25-19, 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 15-11) Friday night.
10/15/2015
Volleyball Heads to Ohio This Weekend
The Valparaiso University volleyball team hits the road for the first time since September 26, making the northeast Ohio swing of the Horizon League slate. The Crusaders face Cleveland State Friday evening in an attempt to move into a first-place tie in the league standings, and then continue on to take on Youngstown State Saturday afternoon.
10/13/2015
Crusaders Sweep Chicago State Tuesday
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closed out its five-match homestand with ease Tuesday evening at the ARC against Chicago State, sweeping the Cougars 3-0 (25-22, 25-9, 25-16).
10/10/2015
Valpo Falls to Green Bay Saturday
Tight sets went against the Valparaiso University volleyball team Saturday afternoon at the ARC, as Green Bay claimed the key points late to send the Crusaders to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-21) defeat.
10/9/2015
Crusaders Roll to Win Over Milwaukee
The Valparaiso University volleyball team dropped the first point of the match Friday night at the ARC to Milwaukee, but never trailed in any of the three sets after that mark, as a stellar all-around team effort led the Crusaders to a 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-19) win over the Panthers to improve to 16-3 overall and 4-1 in Horizon League play.
10/8/2015
Volleyball Closes Homestand With Three Matches in Five Days
The Valparaiso University volleyball team closes out a five-match homestand, hosting Milwaukee and Green Bay in Horizon League play on Friday and Saturday, respectively, before facing Chicago State in non-league action at the ARC Tuesday evening. Friday will serve as the Crusaders’ annual breast cancer awareness match, as survivors of breast cancer will be honored prior to the match. Saturday is Student Appreciation Day and Parents Night as well.
10/5/2015
Graboski Earns League Player of the Week Honor
Valparaiso University sophomore middle hitter Taylor Graboski earned the first weekly award of her career from the Horizon League office on Monday, as she was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week.
10/2/2015
Crusaders Fall to Oakland Friday Night
Missed opportunities in a trio of tight sets doomed the Valparaiso University volleyball team on Friday night at the ARC, as the Crusaders lost in Horizon League play for the first time this season to defending league champion Oakland, 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 27-25, 25-23). Kelsey Berrington surpassed the 1,000-dig milestone for her career in the loss, while Taylor Graboski set a new career high with 15 kills.
10/1/2015
Volleyball Continues Homestand Friday Night Versus Oakland
The Valparaiso volleyball team looks to extend its perfect start to Horizon League play Friday evening as the Crusaders host defending league champion Oakland at the ARC. Senior setter Kelsey Berrington enters the match just three digs shy of 1,000 for her career.
9/29/2015
Crusaders Move to 15-2 With League Win Over UIC
Strong performances all over the court Tuesday evening at the ARC led to a 3-1 (25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 25-15) victory for the Valparaiso University volleyball team over UIC in Horizon League play. The win moved the Crusaders’ record to 15-2 on the year, just the second time in program history they’ve held a 15-2 mark, and pushed Valpo atop the Horizon League standings at 3-0.
9/26/2015
Crusaders Cap Off Road Weekend With Sweep
The Valparaiso University volleyball team made it a perfect 2-0 weekend on the road to start off Horizon League play with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 27-25, 25-20) of Wright State in Dayton, Ohio on Saturday afternoon. The win moves the Crusaders to 14-2 overall on the season.
9/25/2015
Volleyball Earns Win in Horizon League Opener
The Valparaiso University volleyball team proved to be an unwelcome guest in Northern Kentucky’s first-ever home event in Horizon League play in any sport, as the Crusaders defeated the Norse, 3-1 (25-15, 32-30, 20-25, 25-23) Friday night in Highland Heights, Ky.
9/23/2015
Volleyball Set For Start of League Play
Valparaiso opens up Horizon League play on the road this weekend, taking on league newcomer Northern Kentucky before heading to Wright State. The Crusaders then return home for a league match versus UIC Tuesday night. Check out head coach Carin Avery's thoughts on the performance of her squad to date in this week's edition of the Valpo Coaches Show.
9/19/2015
Crusaders Split on Final Day of ISU Classic
The Valparaiso University volleyball team came up just one set shy of claiming another in-season tournament crown, as the Crusaders dropped the tournament finale at the ISU Classic in Terre Haute to host Indiana State Saturday night, 3-2 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 22-25, 15-12). Valpo, which defeated Western Illinois earlier in the day 3-1 (23-25, 25-11, 25-16, 25-18), was represented on the All-Tournament Team by sophomore Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian).
9/18/2015
Crusaders Roll to Sweep of Chicago State
The Valparaiso University volleyball team wasted little time in dispatching Chicago State in its opener at the ISU Classic in Terre Haute, Ind. on Friday afternoon, taking just over an hour to sweep the Cougars (25-17, 25-17, 25-13) behind one of the top offensive performances of the modern era.
9/17/2015
Volleyball Heads to Indiana State This Weekend
Valparaiso closes out the pre-league slate this weekend with the final of four in-season tournaments, making the trek downstate to Terre Haute to play in the ISU Classic. The Crusaders will conclude tournament play Saturday night against host Indiana State after taking on Chicago State and Western Illinois earlier in the weekend.
9/15/2015
Crusaders Down Toledo in Four Sets Tuesday Night
The Valparaiso University volleyball team improved to 10-1 on the season Tuesday evening at the ARC, fighting off a game Toledo squad to earn the 3-1 (26-24, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21) victory.
9/12/2015
Crusaders Fall in Popcorn Classic Finale
The Valparaiso University volleyball team extended the best start in program history to 9-0 with a three-set sweep of Savannah State (25-13, 25-17, 25-11) Saturday morning, but was unable to claim the Popcorn Classic title later that evening at the ARC, as the Crusaders were dealt their first loss of the season by Loyola (25-22, 25-18, 25-21). Senior Kelsey Berrington (Britton, Mich./Tecumseh) and sophomore Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
9/11/2015
Individual, Team Milestones Reached As Volleyball Sweeps Pair
Valparaiso senior setter Kelsey Berrington (Britton, Mich./Tecumseh) registered her 3,000th career assist early in the Crusaders’ first match of the Popcorn Classic Friday, and the team would reach a milestone to close the night, as with sweeps over Kennesaw State (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) and Elon (25-21, 25-18, 25-16), Valpo improved to 8-0 on the season – matching the best start in program history.
9/9/2015
Crusaders Ready to Host Popcorn Classic
The Valparaiso volleyball team will host its eighth in-season tournament in the last 14 years this weekend, as the Crusaders welcome Elon, Kennesaw State, Loyola and Savannah State to the ARC for the Popcorn Classic. Valpo has won five of its last seven in-season home tournaments, while the Crusaders are also in search of the best start in program history, entering the weekend at 6-0.
9/5/2015
Valpo Earns Terrier Invitational Championship
Valparaiso closed out its weekend in New York City by capturing the Terrier Invitational championship, downing host St. Francis Brooklyn in straight sets (25-23, 25-11, 25-16) Saturday afternoon before heading for some more sightseeing prior to leaving the city. Senior setter Kelsey Berrington (Britton, Mich./Tecumseh) was named Tournament MVP.
9/4/2015
Volleyball Wins Pair to Close Out Exciting Friday in NYC
A jam-packed day Friday in New York City for the Valparaiso University volleyball team, which included an early-morning visit to the Good Morning America summer concert series to see Florida Georgia Line, ended on a high note as well. When it was time to go to work, the Crusaders took care of business, defeating Rider 3-1 and NJIT 3-0 to open play at the Terrier Invitational.
9/3/2015
Volleyball Off to the Big Apple This Weekend
After capturing the Chattanooga Classic last weekend, the Valparaiso University volleyball team will attempt to make it back-to-back tournament titles, as the Crusaders look to take Brooklyn this weekend, heading to New York City to take part in the Terrier Invitational. Valpo will face Rider and NJIT on Friday before closing the tournament against host St. Francis Brooklyn on Saturday.
8/29/2015
Crusaders Ride Pair of Sweeps to Chattanooga Classic Title
The Valparaiso University volleyball team made it a trio of victories on the opening weekend of play, capturing its fourth consecutive in-season tournament title by claiming the Chattanooga Classic on Saturday with 3-0 wins over Eastern Kentucky and Troy. Sophomore Taylor Graboski (Upper Sandusky, Ohio/Upper Sandusky) was named Tournament MVP, while juniors Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) and Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) were named to the All-Tournament Team as well.
8/28/2015
Volleyball Opens Season With Victory
The Valparaiso volleyball team twice had to rally from one-set deficits on Friday evening, but ultimately got the job done in five sets, downing host Chattanooga 3-2 (16-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22, 16-14) to open the Chattanooga Classic.
8/27/2015
Longoria Named HL Preseason Defensive Player of The Year; Campbell All-League
Valparaiso University junior libero Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) has been named the preseason Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, while fellow junior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) was named to the preseason All-League Team as the league announced its awards prior to the start of the 2015 campaign Friday.
8/26/2015
Crusaders Picked Third in Volleyball Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso University volleyball team has been picked to finish in third place in the Horizon League in the 2015 season, according to preseason polling of the league’s head coaches.
8/25/2015
What You Need to Know - Valpo Volleyball
With the regular season opening up Friday for the Crusader volleyball team, catch up with a brief primer about this year's squad as Valpo looks to rise to the top of the Horizon League and earn its 14th consecutive 20-win season in 2015. And hear head coach Carin Avery's thoughts on the preseason so far and what she expects from the early part of the season in the attached coaches show.
8/4/2015
Crusaders Announce 2015 Volleyball Schedule
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced the Crusaders’ schedule for the upcoming 2015 campaign on Tuesday, a slate which features 15 home matches at the ARC – the most home matches in a single season since 2001.
7/30/2015
Crusaders Claim AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2014-15 academic year, as announced by the AVCA this week. It marks the 10th time in the last 12 seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award.
3/23/2015
Crusader Volleyball to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 7-10, 2015 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12.
2/6/2015
Carlson Earns Second Team H.S. All-American Honors
The Valparaiso volleyball program has brought in a number of heralded prep performers in the past. But none of them have earned the honor that 2015 incoming freshman Katherine Carlson recently received, as Carlson was named a Second Team High School All-American by Volleyball Magazine, as presented by Mizuno. Just 24 athletes nationwide were named First or Second Team All-Americans by the publication.
1/31/2015
Valparaiso Places 10 On Fall Academic All-League Squads
Valparaiso placed a league-high 10 student-athletes over five sports on the Horizon League's 2014 Fall Academic All-League Teams, as announced today by the league office.
12/9/2014
Campbell Earns Honorable Mention All-Region Recognition
Sophomore Emily Campbell was named an Honorable Mention All-Northeast Region selection by the AVCA on Tuesday.
12/3/2014
Crusaders Announce Trio of Volleyball Signees
Sydney Bronner, a three-time state champion in track and field; Katherine Carlson, Michigan Miss Volleyball as a senior; and Lizzie Zaleski, MVP of SportsTown Chicago All-Star Game all have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Crusader volleyball program as freshmen for the 2015 campaign.
11/23/2014
Beil Named to All-Tournament Team
Valparaiso senior right side hitter Morgan Beil closed out her Crusader career by representing Valpo on the All-Tournament Team at the Horizon League Championship.
11/22/2014
Volleyball Falls in HL Semifinal
Crusaders fall to Milwaukee in straight sets in Horizon League semifinal Saturday evening. The loss closes out Valparaiso's 2014 campaign with a 25-8 overall record.
11/21/2014
Crusaders Sweep UIC, Move Into HL Championship Semifinals
Crusaders take down UIC in straight sets to open the Horizon League Championship behind ten kills from Allison Ketcham, double-doubles from Kelsey Berrington and Emily Campbell. Valpo advances to face Milwaukee in the semifinals Saturday at 4 p.m. CT.
11/20/2014
Valpo Heads to Horizon League Volleyball Championship
Crusaders enter the 2014 Horizon League Championship as the tournament's third seed, kick off tournament play from Oakland against sixth-seeded UIC Friday afternoon.
11/17/2014
Campbell Named HL Co-Player of the Year; Five Crusaders Honored
Sophomore Emily Campbell becomes Valpo's first Player of the Year since 2008, earning Horizon League co-Player of the Year honors. Kelsey Berrington and Kelsey Victor joined Campbell on the All-League team, while Taylor Graboski and Allison Ketcham were named to the All-Freshman Team.
11/17/2014
Campbell Claims Final League Player of the Week Honor
Sophomore Emily Campbell earned her second Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week honor of the year after hitting .410 with a league-best 40 kills in a pair of Valpo wins last week.
11/15/2014
Crusaders Close Out Regular Season With Sweep
Valparaiso posts its best hitting percentage in over seven years in a three-set sweep of UIC to close out regular season action Saturday. Sophomore Emily Campbell moved into Valpo's single-season top-ten in kills early in the match.
11/14/2014
Crusaders Set For Regular Season Finale
Valparaiso travels to UIC on Saturday with third place in the Horizon League standings on the line in the regular season finale.
11/11/2014
Crusaders Take Down IPFW in Five Tuesday
Emily Campbell tallies match-best 23 kills, Morgan Beil moves into Valpo's career top-ten in kills as well as the Crusaders earn a five-set win at IPFW Tuesday night.
11/8/2014
Crusaders Fall to Oakland Saturday
Crusaders fall on Senior Day at the ARC to Oakland, 3-1, despite 21 kills and 25 digs from Emily Campbell.
11/7/2014
Volleyball Sweeps Wright State Friday Evening
Seniors lead the way for Valparaiso one night before Senior Night, as Kelsey Victor hits .647 with 11 kills and Lindsey Hauch picks up 19 digs in a three-set sweep of Wright State.
11/6/2014
Volleyball Closes Out Home Slate This Weekend
Crusaders host Wright State on Friday evening and Oakland on Saturday afternoon in their final two home matches of the season at the ARC. Valpo will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday, honoring Morgan Beil, Lindsey Hauch and Kelsey Victor.
11/4/2014
Ketcham Named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week
Allison Ketcham picks up her second Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week award of the season after pacing the Crusaders in digs last weekend in a pair of sweeps.
11/1/2014
Crusaders Close Out Perfect Weekend With YSU Sweep
Emily Campbell tallied 18 kills as the Crusader volleyball team closed out a perfect weekend with a sweep at Youngstown State Saturday evening.
10/31/2014
Crusaders Claim 20th Win of Season
The Valparaiso volleyball program reached the 20-win milestone for the 13th straight season on Friday with a three-set sweep at Cleveland State.
10/31/2014
Champion in Competition: Morgan Beil
Volleyball senior Morgan Beil has quietly put together one of the best careers by a Crusader in program history. As she enters the final few weeks of her playing career, read about her journey here at Valpo.
10/30/2014
Valpo Volleyball Heads to Ohio This Weekend
The Crusader volleyball team continues the second half of Horizon League play this weekend with matches at Cleveland State and Youngstown State. Valpo enters the weekend just one win shy of 20 on the season.
10/25/2014
Crusaders Sweep Green Bay Saturday Afternoon
Crusaders hit .269 as a team and limit Green Bay to .067 hitting in a three-set sweep of the Phoenix Saturday afternoon at the ARC.
10/24/2014
Crusaders Fall to Panthers At Home
Valpo fell to league-leading Milwaukee Friday night, 3-1, as they began the second half of their Horizon League slate. Emily Campbell led the way with 20 kills and 19 digs, while Allison Ketchum chipped in 26 digs.
10/23/2014
Valpo Opens Second Half of League Play This Weekend
Crusaders host Milwaukee Friday night and Green Bay Saturday afternoon to begin the second half of Horizon League play. Both matches are worth 1,000 points for the Crusader Scholarship Challenge.
10/21/2014
Crusaders Take Down Chicago State
13 Crusaders see action as Valpo sweeps Chicago State on the road Tuesday evening. Rachel Bruinsma leads the Crusader effort with a career-high 12 kills.
10/19/2014
Valpo Can't Overcome Bison Sunday Evening
Despite five players in double figures in kills and 101 total digs, the Crusaders dropped a five-set decision to North Dakota State at the ARC Sunday evening.
10/17/2014
Crusaders Fall at Home to UIC
Crusaders post 18 blocks over four sets on Friday, led by ten rejections from freshman Taylor Graboski, but fall to UIC, 3-1, to close out the first half of Horizon League play.
10/16/2014
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week to talk about the team's results last weekend, Morgan Beil's influence over her four-year career and the milestone she reached last weekend, and what has made for the program's consistent success over the last decade-plus as the Crusaders near 20 wins again this season.
10/15/2014
Crusaders Wrap Up First Half of League Play
Valpo hosts UIC on Friday evening to wrap up the first half of Horizon League action before stepping out of league play to host North Dakota State on Sunday and travel to Chicago State on Tuesday. Both of this weekend's home matches are worth 1,000 Crusader Challenge points.
10/11/2014
Crusaders Bounce Back, Sweep Wright State
Allison Ketcham records team highs with 16 kills and 14 digs as the Crusaders bounce back from Friday night's defeat with a sweep at Wright State on Saturday.
10/10/2014
Crusaders Fall on the Road at Oakland
Morgan Beil becomes just the 13th player in Valpo volleyball history to surpass the 1,000-kill milestone for her career, but the Crusaders fell in four sets Friday night at Oakland.
10/9/2014
Valpo Faces Pair of Road Matches This Weekend
Crusaders put their 16-2 record on the line this weekend with Horizon League road matches at Oakland, Wright State.
10/6/2014
Beil Earns Athlete of the Week Honor
Valparaiso senior right side hitter Morgan Beil has been named Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week following her record-setting performance last weekend in a win over Cleveland State.
10/4/2014
Beil Sets Program Record as Crusaders Defeat Cleveland State
Senior Morgan Beil set a new Crusader record for hitting percentage in a four-set match as Valpo improved to 16-2 on the year Saturday with a 3-1 win over Cleveland State.
10/3/2014
Crusaders Take Down YSU Friday Night
Crusaders rebound after dropping the first set to defeat Youngstown State 3-1 Friday evening. The win moves Valpo to 15-2 on the season and 2-1 in Horizon League play.
10/2/2014
Nico Campbell, Emily Campbell Named Valpo Athletes of the Month
Nico Campbell (men's soccer) and Emily Campbell (volleyball) have been named the Valparaiso athletic department's Student-Athletes of the Month for August/September.
10/2/2014
Volleyball Returns Home For Pair of League Matches
Crusaders return to the ARC, hosting Youngstown State Friday night and Cleveland State Saturday afternoon. First 200 fans to Friday's match get a free Valpo Volleyball t-shirt, while Saturday is the Crusaders' annual breast cancer awareness match. Both matches are worth 1,000 points for the Crusader Scholarship Challenge.
10/1/2014
Crusaders Raising Money as Part of Breast Cancer Awareness Activities
The Valparaiso University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will be raising money for the American Cancer Society at home events throughout the next month as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.
9/27/2014
Crusaders Drop Five-Set Duel at Milwaukee
Crusaders fall in hard-fought five-set match at Milwaukee in matchup of the top two teams in the league's preseason poll. Emily Campbell led all players with 21 kills.
9/26/2014
Crusaders Down Green Bay in HL Opener
Crusaders win 13th straight match, tying the second-longest streak in program history, as they sweep Green Bay in their Horizon League opener Friday. Emily Campbell led the way offensively, hitting .400 with 18 kills, while Morganne Longoria led all players with 20 digs. The win was the 300th at Valpo for head coach Carin Avery.
9/25/2014
Volleyball Starts League Play in Wisconsin This Weekend
Valparaiso puts its 12-match winning streak on the line for the opening of Horizon League play this weekend in Wisconsin. The Crusaders face off against Green Bay Friday night and Milwaukee Saturday afternoon.
9/25/2014
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Coming off of a third consecutive tournament title, Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show to take a look at what's been working for her team the past few weeks, talk about the Crusaders' performance last weekend and look ahead to the start of Horizon League play this week.
9/22/2014
Ketcham Earns Player of the Week Honor
Freshman Allison Ketcham claims Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week award after her MVP performance last weekend in the Crusader Crossroads of America Classic.
9/20/2014
Three Straight Tourney Titles, 12 Straight Wins For Valpo
Valparaiso earns the crown at its home tournament with sweeps of Sacramento State and George Washington. The Crusaders are now 13-1 - the best start in program history. Allison Ketcham was named MVP and joined on the All-Tournament Team by Kelsey Victor and Morgan Beil.
9/19/2014
Hang Ten! Volleyball Knocks Off Murray State For Tenth Straight Win
Valpo earns tenth straight win, knocking off Murray State 3-1 to open the Crusader Crossroads of America Classic. At 11-1, Crusaders have matched the best start in program history.
9/18/2014
Valpo Volleyball Hosts Home Tournament This Weekend
With its winning streak at nine matches, the Valparaiso volleyball team returns home to host the Crusader Crossroads of America Classic. The Crusaders welcome Murray State, Sacramento State and George Washington to the ARC for the two-day, six-match event. All three of Valpo's matches are worth 1,000 points in the Crusader Scholarship Challenge.
9/16/2014
Crusaders Continue Record Start With Sweep at Toledo
Valparaiso takes down Toledo in straight sets on the road Tuesday evening to extend its winning streak to nine straight matches. The Crusaders, now 10-1, won by sweep for the fifth consecutive match.
9/15/2014
Campbell Claims League Weekly Award
Valparaiso sophomore outside hitter Emily Campbell has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week following her MVP performance last weekend as the Crusaders won the Skyhawk Invitational.
9/13/2014
Crusaders Claim Skyhawk Invitational Title
Crusaders sweep Drake and UT-Martin to capture Skyhawk Invitational title and extend their winning streak to eight straight matches on Saturday. Emily Campbell was named tournament MVP, while Morganne Longoria and Taylor Graboski also represented Valparaiso on the All-Tournament Team.
9/12/2014
Crusaders Sweep Western Carolina For Sixth Straight Win
Valparaiso hits .378 as a team, three different attackers post hitting percentages above .500 as the Crusaders sweep Western Carolina to open the Skyhawk Invitational. Valpo has now won six consecutive matches.
9/11/2014
Volleyball Carries Five-Match Win Streak Into UT-Martin
Riding a five-match winning streak and a tournament title last weekend at the Jackrabbit Invitational, the Valparaiso volleyball team continues early-season play this weekend at UT-Martin’s Skyhawk Invitational, where it will also take on Western Carolina and Drake.
9/6/2014
Valpo Sweeps Way to Tournament Title
Crusaders take down host South Dakota State in straight sets to win the Jackrabbit Invitational - the program's 18th in-season tournament title under Carin Avery. Kelsey Berrington was named Tournament MVP, and was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Morgan Beil and Allison Ketcham.
9/5/2014
Crusaders Extend Winning Streak to Four on Friday
Valparaiso opens Jackrabbit Invitational with a pair of four-set victories over UMKC and Stephen F. Austin on Friday. The Crusaders play for the tournament championship on Saturday against host South Dakota State.
9/4/2014
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week and discusses the number of different lineup combinations the team has used in the early season, the play of Emily Campbell and Kelsey Berrington, and what she's looking for from the Crusaders over the next couple weekends.
9/3/2014
Crusaders Come From Behind for Five-Set Win Over IUPUI
Valparaiso uses a stellar offensive performance in the fourth and fifth sets to overcome 2-1 deficit and defeat IUPUI, 3-2, Wednesday evening. Emily Campbell set a new career best with 22 kills; Morganne Longoria led all players and matched her career high with 30 digs.
9/2/2014
Crusaders Set For Four-Match Week
Volleyball makes its 2014 home debut Wednesday night at the ARC against IUPUI before traveling to Brookings, S.D. for the Jackrabbit Invitational this weekend.
8/30/2014
Valpo Splits on Final Day of NCCU Invitational
Valparaiso falls in five-set battle to Campbell, but rebounds with win over North Carolina Central to close out the NCCU Invitational. Kelsey Berrington and Emily Campbell earned All-Tournament honors for the Crusaders.
8/29/2014
Volleyball Opens 2014 Campaign With Victory
Crusaders commit just nine attack errors in season-opening four-set win over Wofford at the NCCU Invitational. Emily Campbell leads the way offensively with 13 kills.
8/29/2014
Crusaders Open Season at NCCU Invitational
The Valparaiso volleyball team is taking aim at a season-opening tournament title for the second straight year. The Crusaders will take on Wofford and Campbell in addition to the host Eagles.
8/28/2014
What You Need to Know: Valpo Volleyball
Senior Morgan Beil was named to the preseason All-Horizon League team today. Beil is one of five returning starters for the Valparaiso volleyball program, as the Crusaders prepare to kick off their season this weekend at the NCCU Invitational.
8/27/2014
Volleyball Tabbed Second in Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso volleyball team has been picked to finish in second place in the Horizon League standings this season, according to preseason polling of the league’s head coaches.
8/18/2014
Currier Earns AAU Volleyball Academic Honor
Incoming Valparaiso freshman Kayla Currier has been named a recipient of the 2014 AAU Volleyball Academic All American Award, as announced by the AAU Volleyball National Executive Committee earlier this month.
8/7/2014
Volleyball Holds Camp at Boys & Girls Club
As they prepare for the start of preseason practice, the Valparaiso volleyball team took some time earlier this week to offer a one-day camp to members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County’s South Haven Unit.
8/6/2014
Crusaders Claim AVCA Team Academic Award
Valparaiso earns the AVCA Team Academic Award for 9th time in last 11 years. Crusaders own a .738 winning percentage in the seasons they've earned the academic honor.
7/15/2014
Crusaders Announce 2014 Volleyball Schedule
Crusaders to host 12 home matches at the ARC, including a tournament Sept. 19-20, as they take aim at a 13th straight 20-win season and the Horizon League title
6/20/2014
Volleyball vs. Men's Tennis Rounds Out Best of 2013-2014 Final Four
Yesterday, we announced the first semifinal contest (Alec Peters vs. Bowling) in Valpo's Best of 2013-2014 Tournament. Today, we reveal the other semifinal matchup. Voting is now open!
4/8/2014
Crusaders Welcome Ketcham to Incoming Class
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Allison Ketcham, a product of Mishawaka Marian H.S., has signed with the Crusader volleyball program and will join the team as a freshman for the 2014 season.
4/8/2014
Volleyball, Men’s Soccer Hosting Spring Action Saturday
With the Valparaiso men’s soccer program’s annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser upcoming this Saturday, April 12, supporters of the cause will also have the chance to cheer on both the Crusader men’s soccer and volleyball teams in spring action that day as well.
4/2/2014
Valpo Volleyball to Host Pair of Summer Camps
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will host its annual summer camp from July 8-11, 2014 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, entering grades 3-12. The Crusaders will also be hosting another camp as part of a combination Soccer/Volleyball camp from August 4-6, 2014 for youths entering grades K-8.
1/16/2014
Crusaders Place Eight on Fall Academic All-League Squads
Valparaiso placed eight student-athletes across five sports on the Horizon League Fall Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office this afternoon.
12/3/2013
Volleyball Adds Three For 2014 Season
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Catherine Ament, Kayla Currier and Taylor Graboski have all signed with the Crusader volleyball program during the early signing period and will join the team as freshmen for the 2014 season.
11/24/2013
Crusaders Fall in Horizon League Championship Match
Valparaiso and Milwaukee split the first two sets Sunday afternoon in the Horizon League championship match in Milwaukee, Wis., but the Panthers took sets three and four to earn a 3-1 victory over the Crusaders and the tournament title. Senior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) and junior Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
11/23/2013
Crusaders Advance to HL Championship Match
The Valparaiso volleyball team trailed just once over three sets in a sweep (25-19, 25-19, 25-16) of Youngstown State Saturday evening in Milwaukee, Wis. in the second semifinal of the Horizon League Championship. With the win, the Crusaders will face host and top-seeded Milwaukee Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. for the league title and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
11/22/2013
Crusaders to Face Youngstown State Saturday
The second-seeded Valparaiso volleyball team will face fifth-seeded Youngstown State in the second semifinal of the Horizon League Championship Saturday night in Milwaukee, Wis. at 7 p.m.
11/21/2013
Valpo Volleyball Set For Horizon League Championship
Valparaiso enters the Horizon League Championship needing just two victories to claim the tournament title and advance to the NCAA Tournament. The Crusaders, the second seed for the tournament, will open tournament play in Milwaukee Saturday evening in the second semifinal, facing the best remaining seed from Friday’s pair of quarterfinals.
11/18/2013
Five Crusaders Honored With Horizon League Postseason Awards
Following a 24-win regular season and a second-place finish in the league standings, five Valparaiso volleyball players have received postseason accolades from the Horizon League. Seniors Ellen Vanden Berg and Sarah Dooms, as well as junior Morgan Beil, earned spots on the All-League Team, while Emily Campbell and Morganne Longoria were named to the All-Freshman Team.
11/16/2013
Crusaders Fall at Oakland in Regular Season Finale
For the third straight Saturday, the Valparaiso volleyball team went five sets in Horizon League play, and for the third straight week, the Crusaders came out on the wrong end of the decision, dropping a 3-2 (25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 20-25, 15-12) contest at Oakland Saturday afternoon in the regular season finale.
11/15/2013
Crusaders Earn Second Seed With Win Over Wright State
Valparaiso volleyball senior Janelle Hobbs (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) was skipped during the introduction of starting lineups prior to Friday afternoon's match at Wright State, but Hobbs got the last laugh, putting together a career performance to lead the Crusaders as they downed the Raiders, 3-1 (27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18). With the win, Valpo secured outright second place in the Horizon League and the second seed in the upcoming league tournament.
11/14/2013
Volleyball Heads to Final Weekend of Regular Season
Valparaiso looks to secure the #2 seed for the upcoming Horizon League Championship this weekend as the Crusaders close out the regular season at Wright State and Oakland in 3 p.m. CT matchups Friday and Saturday. Valpo will clinch the second seed with one victory.
11/14/2013
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Crusader volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week as her team heads into the final weekend of regular season action before competing in the Horizon League Championship next weekend.
11/12/2013
Schorsch, Vanden Berg Named Athletes of the Month for October
Valparaiso men's tennis freshman Jeffrey Schorsch (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) and volleyball senior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) have been named the Valparaiso athletic department's Athletes of the Month for the month of October.
11/9/2013
Valpo Falls to Youngstown State Saturday
The Valparaiso volleyball program celebrated the careers of its five-player senior class as part of Senior Day ceremonies prior to its match against Youngstown State at the ARC Saturday afternoon, but the Crusaders were unable to come out with the victory once the match got underway, falling to the Penguins 3-2 (25-18, 18-25, 25-21, 16-25, 15-11).
11/8/2013
Crusaders Sweep Cleveland State on Friday
Sharp execution on both sides of the ball led to a 3-0 (28-26, 25-21, 25-17) victory for the Valparaiso volleyball team over Cleveland State in Horizon League action at the ARC Friday afternoon.
11/6/2013
Volleyball Home Schedule Comes to a Close This Weekend
Valparaiso returns home for the final time this season as it hosts a pair of Horizon League matches. Friday afternoon, Cleveland State comes to town for a 4 p.m. first serve - all men's basketball season ticket holders will receive free admission to the volleyball match. Then, the Crusaders will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday afternoon, again slated for a 4 p.m. start against Youngstown State.
11/2/2013
Crusaders Drop Five-Set Battle at Green Bay
In a near-replica of their first matchup, this time it was Valparaiso twice gaining one-set leads on Green Bay before the Phoenix rallied for a 3-2 (22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19, 15-13) victory over the Crusaders Saturday evening in Green Bay, Wis.
11/1/2013
Crusaders Take Down Milwaukee Friday Evening
The Valparaiso volleyball team avenged its lone Horizon League loss Friday night, taking down Milwaukee on the road 3-1 (25-15, 25-19, 20-25, 30-28) to move into a tie in the loss column atop the league standings with the Panthers. The win also marked the ninth consecutive victory for the Crusaders.
10/30/2013
Key Road Swing Awaits Crusader Volleyball
A battle for the top of the Horizon League standings awaits Valparaiso on Friday night, as the Crusaders travel to take on current league leader Milwaukee. The Wisconsin road swing concludes Saturday evening when Valpo plays at Green Bay.
10/28/2013
Crusaders Win Eighth Straight With Sweep of Chicago State
On a night where all 14 active players saw playing time, the Valparaiso volleyball team extended its winning streak to eight matches with a 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-23, 25-18) of Chicago State Monday evening in Chicago, Ill.
10/26/2013
Volleyball Wins 20 For 12th Straight Season
The Valparaiso volleyball team put together one of its most dominant performances of the season Saturday afternoon to sweep UIC, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-22) at the ARC to kick off the second half of Horizon League play. The win was the 20th of the season for the Crusaders, extending their streak of consecutive 20-win campaigns to 12 straight years.
10/24/2013
Crusaders to Honor Angie (Porché) Rundh Saturday Afternoon
The Valparaiso volleyball program will honor one of its all-time greatest players in Angie (Porché) Rundh at its match against UIC at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at the ARC.
10/24/2013
Volleyball Looks for Win #20 This Weekend
Valparaiso puts its six-match winning streak on the line as the second half of Horizon League play starts with a home match Saturday afternoon against UIC. The Crusaders then step out of league play for the final time Monday evening at Chicago State. Valpo is one win shy of reaching the 20-win milestone for a 12th straight season.
10/23/2013
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week as her team approaches the 20-win milestone and prepares for the second half of Horizon League play.
10/23/2013
Crusaders to Host Annual TOCO Benefit Match
Men's soccer will host its fifth annual benefit match for They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Brown Field against UIC, raising money for TOCO's annual Holiday Toy Drive. In addition, volleyball's Saturday afternoon match at 2 p.m. against UIC will serve as a TOCO benefit match as well.
10/22/2013
Volleyball Wins Sixth Straight by Downing Illinois State
The Valparaiso volleyball team stepped out of Horizon League on Tuesday evening, but the result was the same, as the Crusaders defeated Illinois State by a 3-1 (15-25, 25-22, 30-28, 25-22) final in Normal, Ill. The win was the sixth straight for Valpo, which now sits just one win shy of reaching the 20-win milestone for a 12th consecutive season.
10/21/2013
Vanden Berg Tabbed HL Defensive Player of the Week
Senior middle hitter Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week after a trio of stellar blocking efforts last week in three Valparaiso victories.
10/19/2013
Volleyball Closes Out First Half of League Play Victorious
The Valparaiso volleyball team ended the first half of Horizon League play on a winning note Saturday afternoon, sweeping Wright State 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-22) on Breast Cancer Awareness night at the ARC.
10/18/2013
Dooms Hits 1,000 Kills as Crusaders Down Oakland Friday
On the back of another monster effort from senior Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove), who surpassed the 1,000 kill milestone for her career Friday evening, Valparaiso improved to 17-4 and 5-1 in Horizon League play with a 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 25-13) victory over Oakland at the ARC.
10/17/2013
Volleyball Returns to ARC This Weekend
Winners of six of its last seven matches, the Valparaiso volleyball team returns to the ARC this weekend. The Crusaders host Oakland on Student Appreciation Night at 7 p.m. Friday, with the first 200 students receiving free t-shirts and pizza, while Saturday (Wright State, 4 p.m.) will be volleyball's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night.
10/15/2013
Cardiac Crusaders Do It Again
The term Cardiac Crusaders could easily apply to the Valparaiso volleyball team these last three weeks, as on Tuesday evening, for the third time in the last five matches, Valpo twice fought back from one-set deficits to rally for a 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 16-14) victory in non-league action at IUPUI.
10/12/2013
Valpo Rallies For Five-Set Win at Cleveland State
For the second time in as many weekends, the Valparaiso volleyball team rallied twice from one-set deficits to earn a league win, closing out a perfect weekend with a 3-2 (14-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 15-3) victory at Cleveland State Saturday afternoon.
10/11/2013
Crusaders Take Down Penguins in Three Friday
The Valparaiso volleyball team started on fire offensively and got huge performances from both of its middle hitters Friday evening in Horizon League action at Youngstown State, riding the momentum all the way to a 3-0 (25-17, 28-26, 27-25) sweep of the Penguins in Youngstown, Ohio.
10/10/2013
Valpo Volleyball Hits the Road Again
The Valparaiso volleyball team returns to the road this weekend, taking on the pair of northeast Ohio Horizon League schools. The Crusaders play at Youngstown State on Friday night before taking on Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon.
10/5/2013
Volleyball Falls in Straight Sets to Milwaukee
The Valparaiso volleyball team was unable to overcome a sluggish start to the match for a second straight night, dropping a 3-0 (25-5, 25-22, 25-19) decision to Milwaukee Saturday afternoon at the ARC in a matchup of the Horizon League’s last two unbeaten teams in league play.
10/4/2013
Crusaders Earn Hard-Fought Win Over Green Bay
Whether it was being down one set twice, being down 23-21 in the fourth set, or facing match point in the decisive fifth set, Valparaiso never folded on Friday evening, earning a come-from-behind 3-2 (9-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 18-16) victory over Green Bay in its Horizon League home opener Friday night at the ARC.
10/2/2013
Volleyball Set to Return Home This Weekend
The Valparaiso volleyball team returns home for the first time in nearly a month, hosting Horizon League matches against fellow league unbeatens Green Bay and Milwaukee on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, respectively.
9/28/2013
Volleyball Opens Horizon League Play With Win at UIC
A balanced team effort was more than enough for Valparaiso to earn a win in its Horizon League opener on Saturday afternoon, as the Crusaders captured a 3-1 (25-20, 25-17, 19-25, 25-16) victory over UIC in Chicago.
9/25/2013
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week on the eve of Horizon League play for the Crusaders.
9/25/2013
Volleyball Set for Start of Horizon League Play
The Valparaiso volleyball team kicks off Horizon League play this weekend as the Crusaders make the short trip to Chicago to take on UIC Saturday afternoon. Valpo closes out pre-league play with a pair of tournament championships and an 11-3 record.
9/23/2013
Vanden Berg Earns All-Tournament Honor
Senior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) represented Valparaiso on the Blue & White Classic All-Tournament Team last weekend.
9/21/2013
Crusaders Split Pair of Saturday Matches
The Valparaiso volleyball team closed out pre-league play Saturday at the Blue & White Classic in Buffalo, N.Y., falling to #13 Ohio State 3-0 (29-27, 25-20, 25-17) before defeating Maryland Eastern Shore 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-14) to finish tournament play.
9/20/2013
Crusaders Fall to Host Buffalo Friday Night
Valparaiso claimed the first set from host Buffalo in its opener at the Blue & White Classic Friday evening, but the Bulls remained undefeated in sending the Crusaders to a 3-1 (11-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-19) defeat.
9/19/2013
Volleyball Heads to Buffalo This Weekend
The Valparaiso volleyball team is part of a loaded tournament field this weekend at the Blue & White Classic in Buffalo, N.Y. The Crusaders, who enter their final tune-up for Horizon League play at 10-1, will take on a pair of undefeated teams in #13 Ohio State and host Buffalo, as well as Maryland Eastern Shore.
9/16/2013
Beil, Campbell Represent Crusaders on All-Tournament Team
Junior Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) and freshman Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) represented the Valparaiso volleyball team as selections to the All-Tournament Team from Evansville's tournament this past weekend.
9/14/2013
Volleyball Earns Pair of Wins Saturday
The Valparaiso volleyball team bounced back from its first loss of the season with a pair of solid outings on Saturday, defeating both SIU Edwardsville (25-16, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20) and Evansville (25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 25-18) by identical 3-1 counts to close out play at this weekend’s tournament in Evansville, Ind.
9/13/2013
Crusaders Suffer First Defeat of Season
Valparaiso’s eight-match winning streak to open the 2013 campaign came to an end Friday afternoon in Evansville, Ind., as the Crusaders fell 3-0 (25-21, 30-28, 25-18) to Memphis in the opening match of Evansville’s tournament.
9/12/2013
Volleyball Looks For Third Straight Tourney Title This Weekend
Already having matched the best start in program history, Valparaiso looks to extend its season-opening win streak this weekend at Evansville’s tournament. The Crusaders are scheduled to face Memphis and SIU Edwardsville before closing the tournament against the host Purple Aces.
9/11/2013
B1G Wins for Valpo Athletics
Trio of matchups against Big Ten teams last weekend for men's and women's soccer and volleyball result in historic victories; provide confidence for Crusaders moving forward
9/9/2013
Victor Earns League Weekly Honor
Following her All-Tournament performance last weekend in helping Valparaiso claim the Popcorn Classic title, Crusader redshirt junior Kelsey Victor (Logansport, Ind./Logansport) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week.
9/7/2013
Crusaders Claim Popcorn Classic Title; Match Best Start in School History
Valparaiso captured the 2013 Valpo Popcorn Classic on its home floor at the ARC on Saturday, downing Rhode Island 3-0 and Iowa 3-1 to claim the tournament title. With the pair of wins, the Crusaders have matched the best start in program history at 8-0.
9/6/2013
Crusaders Earn Two Wins on Opening Day of Popcorn Classic
The Valparaiso volleyball team extended its season-opening winning streak to six matches on Friday on the opening day of the Valpo Popcorn Classic, earning a 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19) victory over Army to open tournament play before downing Eastern Michigan 3-2 (26-24, 24-26, 25-20, 20-25, 15-5) in front of a boisterous crowd to close out the night at the ARC.
9/5/2013
A Family Affair at the Valpo Popcorn Classic
Come Friday evening at the Valpo Popcorn Classic, Crusader sophomore setter Kelsey Berrington will see a very familiar face on the other bench as the team breaks their pre-match huddle.
9/4/2013
Crusader Volleyball Hosts Popcorn Classic This Weekend
Valparaiso hosts the 2013 Valpo Popcorn Classic this weekend at the ARC, as the five-team, eight-match event will take place over Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7. The Crusaders will welcome Army, Eastern Michigan, Rhode Island and Iowa, playing the first two teams on Friday and the latter two on Saturday.
9/3/2013
Dooms Claims Weekly League Honor
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week after earning Tournament MVP honors at the UCF Invitational over the season's opening weekend.
8/31/2013
Crusaders Claim UCF Invitational Title With Pair of Sweeps
Valparaiso made it four straight wins to open the 2013 campaign, earning the championship at the UCF Invitational in Orlando, Fla. with 3-0 sweeps of Alabama State (25-16, 25-18, 25-22) and North Florida (25-15, 25-19, 25-13). Senior Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove) was named tournament MVP, while senior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) and freshman Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) joined Dooms on the All-Tournament Team.
8/30/2013
Crusaders Open Season With Pair of Wins
The Valparaiso volleyball team got the 2013 campaign off to a strong start on Friday at the UCF Invitational in Orlando, Fla., earning wins over the host Knights, 3-2 (25-18, 25-17, 19-25, 21-25, 15-10), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-15).
8/29/2013
What You Need to Know - Valpo Volleyball
With the Valparaiso volleyball team kicking off the 2013 season this weekend in Orlando, Fla. at UCF's tournament, read more about what you might be able to expect from the Crusaders over the next few months.
8/28/2013
Carin Avery Joins the Valpo Coaches Show
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery joins the Valpo Coaches Show this week on the eve of the Crusaders' season-opening tournament this weekend.
8/23/2013
Pair of Crusaders Earn Preseason All-League Honors
Valparaiso placed a pair of players on the seven-member preseason All-Horizon League squad, as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced by the league today. Senior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) and junior Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) represented the preseason league favorites on the All-League team.
8/22/2013
Crusader Volleyball Tabbed Atop Horizon League
One of the nation's most consistent winningest programs over the last decade-plus, the Valparaiso volleyball team has been selected to win the Horizon League in 2013 in polling of the league's head coaches.
8/12/2013
Crusaders to Host Alumni Match
Valparaiso volleyball fans will get their first chance to catch a glimpse of the 2013 Crusaders in action, while at the same time welcoming back some of the players who have helped build the program into what it is today, as Valpo hosts an Alumni Match at the Athletics-Recreation Center this Saturday, August 17 at 4 p.m. The match is open to the public and is free of charge.
8/9/2013
Crusader Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2012-2013 academic year, as announced by the AVCA this week. It marks the eighth time in the last ten seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award.
8/7/2013
Volleyball Adds Lambert to Roster
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Nicole Lambert has transferred into the Crusader volleyball program. Lambert will be eligible immediately for the 2013 season and has three years of eligibility remaining.
7/3/2013
Rykse, Polite Join Volleyball Coaching Staff
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Adam Rykse and Nick Polite will join the Crusader coaching staff for the upcoming 2013 season.
6/21/2013
Crusader Volleyball Announces 2013 Schedule
One of just 11 volleyball programs in the nation to win at least 20 matches every season since 2002, Valparaiso will be in search of its 12th straight 20-win campaign in 2013, facing a schedule announced today by Crusader head coach Carin Avery. The schedule is highlighted by a five-team tournament the Crusaders will host at the ARC during the second weekend of regular season action.
6/10/2013
Avery Gives Commencement Speech at Mishawaka H.S.
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery returned to her alma mater on Sunday as the commencement speaker at Mishawaka High School's graduation ceremony.
4/9/2013
Bouza to Join Crusader Volleyball Program in Fall of 2013
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Lexis Bouza, a 5'10" right side hitter/defensive specialist, has agreed to join the Crusader volleyball program as a freshman in the fall of 2013. The addition of Bouza gives the Crusaders seven incoming freshmen for the 2013 season.
3/27/2013
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Pair of Summer Camps
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host its annual summer camp from July 8-11, 2013 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 3-12. The Crusaders will also be hosting another camp as part of a combination Soccer/Volleyball camp from August 5-7, 2013 for youths in grades K-8.
2/26/2013
Crusaders Add Chittum to 2013 Incoming Class
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Emily Chittum (Horseshoe Bay, Texas/Marble Falls) has agreed to join the Crusader volleyball program as a freshman for the 2013 season. Chittum joins the previously announced five signees from the early signing period to form a six-player incoming class.
2/11/2013
Incoming Freshman Longoria Earns All-American Honor
Valparaiso volleyball commit Morganne Longoria has been named a PrepVolleyball.com High School All-American following her senior season of high school, one of just 150 players nationwide, as well as one of just six liberos, to receive the honor.
2/10/2013
Ten Crusaders Named to Academic All-Horizon League Squads
Valparaiso placed a league-high ten student-athletes over five sports on the Horizon League's 2012 Fall Academic All-League Teams, as announced by the league office.
12/13/2012
Root Named Honorable Mention All-American
For the third consecutive season, Valparaiso senior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named an Honorable Mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Root becomes the first player in Valpo volleyball history to receive the national accolade three times.
12/4/2012
Root Earns Third All-Region Honor; Vanden Berg Named Honorable Mention
For the third straight season, Valparaiso had a pair of players honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as the organization released its all-region teams on Tuesday. Senior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) earned All-Midwest Region accolades for the third straight year, while junior middle Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis.) was named an Honorable Mention All-Midwest Region recipient for the first time.
11/27/2012
Valpo Volleyball Bringing In Five Newcomers For 2013
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that five high school seniors have signed with the Crusaders during the early signing period. Rachel Bruinsma, Emily Campbell, Tarrah Lasky, Jamie Lacheta and Morganne Longoria will all join the Valpo program as freshmen for the 2013 season.
11/18/2012
Dent Named to All-Tournament Team
Valparaiso senior Mary Dent (Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben) closed out her Crusader career by being named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team, it was announced on Sunday.
11/17/2012
Crusaders Drop Five-Set Match to UIC in HL Semifinal
Third-seeded Valparaiso jumped out to a two-set lead over second-seeded UIC, but the Flames won each of the final three sets to take a 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-16, 25-14, 15-13) victory in Horizon League semifinal action Saturday night in Cleveland, Ohio.
11/16/2012
Crusaders Sweep Youngstown State, Advance to Semifinal
The third-seeded Valparaiso volleyball team advanced to the Horizon League Championship semifinal on Friday evening, courtesy of a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-20) sweep of sixth-seeded Youngstown State in Cleveland, Ohio. The Crusaders will take on second-seeded UIC in the second semifinal Saturday at 5:30 p.m. CT.
11/15/2012
Valpo Volleyball Treks to Cleveland For HL Championship
The Valparaiso volleyball team travels to the Horizon League Championship this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio as the tournament’s third seed. The Crusaders will open tournament play against #6 Youngstown State on Friday evening, and will need to win three matches in three days to capture the league title and the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
11/12/2012
Root Earns Third Straight HL Defensive Player of the Year Award; Four Crusaders Honored
Valparaiso volleyball senior Taylor Root became the first player in Horizon League history to earn three Defensive Player of the Year awards and just the third player in league history to earn All-League honors in each of her four seasons, as the league office announced its volleyball postseason awards on Monday. Root was joined on the All-League squad by junior Ellen Vanden Berg and sophomore Morgan Beil, while freshman Kelsey Berrington was named to the league’s All-Newcomer Team.
11/11/2012
Crusaders Win 20 Matches For 11th Straight Season
Senior Day was a memorable day at the ARC for Valparaiso volleyball seniors Mary Dent (Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben) and Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison), as the Crusaders swept Milwaukee 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-19). The win was Valpo's 20th of the 2012 season, extending the program's streak of 20-win campaigns to 11 consecutive seasons.
11/10/2012
Crusaders Sweep Green Bay Saturday Evening
The Valparaiso volleyball team swept its way to its 19th win of the season on Saturday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, defeating Green Bay in three straight sets (25-16, 25-15, 25-23).
11/7/2012
Crusader Volleyball Closes Regular Season This Weekend
The Valparaiso volleyball team closes out its regular season at the ARC this weekend, hosting Green Bay on Saturday night and Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. Sunday also marks Senior Day for the Crusader program, as Mary Dent and Taylor Root will be honored for their four years with the team.
11/5/2012
Victor Named HL Offensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso redshirt sophomore Kelsey Victor >(Logansport, Ind./Logansport) earned her first career weekly award from the Horizon League office on Monday, as she was named the league's Offensive Player of the Week after breaking her career high for kills in back-to-back matches last weekend.
11/3/2012
Volleyball Drops Five-Set Match at Cleveland State
For the second time this season, Valparaiso rallied from a two-set deficit against league leader Cleveland State, but seven attack errors in the fifth set doomed the Crusaders on Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio, as the Vikings pulled out a 3-2 (25-20, 25-17, 11-25, 21-25, 15-11) victory over Valpo.
11/2/2012
Crusaders Make It Five Straight With Win at YSU
In a match which saw all four sets go down to the wire, it was Valparaiso which came out with its fifth straight victory, defeating Youngstown State Friday night 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24) in Youngstown, Ohio to remain in second place in the Horizon League standings.
11/1/2012
Volleyball Hits Road to Northeast Ohio
Winners of a season-best four straight matches and seven of its last eight, the Valparaiso volleyball team hits the road to northeastern Ohio this weekend, taking on Youngstown State Friday night and Cleveland State Saturday afternoon.
10/30/2012
Crusaders Take Down Chicago State
The Valparaiso volleyball team extended its winning streak to a season-long four matches on Tuesday night, downing Chicago State 3-1 (25-15, 16-15, 25-13, 25-11) in Chicago, Ill.
10/29/2012
Root Earns Third Weekly League Award of the Season
Valparaiso senior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named Defensive Player of the Week by the Horizon League for the third time this season after yet another standout week in the back row for the Crusaders.
10/26/2012
Crusaders Sweep Wright State for Third Straight Win
The Valparaiso volleyball team extended its winning streak to three matches on Friday evening, sweeping Wright State 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-18) at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
10/24/2012
Valpo Hosts Wright State Before Starting Road Trip
Valparaiso concludes a four-match homestand on Friday evening as the Crusaders play host to Wright State at the ARC in their annual “Dig Pink” match. Valpo then steps out of league play for the final time on Tuesday night, traveling to play at Chicago State.
10/23/2012
Crusaders Take Down IUPUI Behind Hobbs’ Career Night
Valparaiso junior Janelle Hobbs (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) had a career-high 17 kills to lead a balanced Crusader offense, and Valpo hit .359 over the final two sets to rally from down 2-1 to defeat IUPUI, 3-2 (25-21, 25-27, 18-25, 25-16, 15-7), Tuesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
10/20/2012
Valpo Earns League Win Over UIC
Valparaiso bounced back from a loss Friday night to defeat UIC in Horizon League play Saturday evening at the ARC, 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 25-22).
10/19/2012
Crusaders Fall in Five-Setter to Loyola
Despite one of the best blocking performances in program history, the Valparaiso volleyball team dropped a five-set decision Friday evening at the ARC to Loyola, 3-2 (26-24, 24-26, 16-25, 25-21, 15-13).
10/18/2012
Crusaders Return Home to Kick Off Second Half of League Play
Valparaiso starts up the second half of Horizon League play this weekend as the Crusaders host Loyola and UIC at the ARC. Valpo enters the second half of league play in a tie for second place in the league standings with the two squads it will face this weekend.
10/16/2012
Watch the Latest Edition of the Valpo Coaches Show!
On the latest Valpo Coaches Show, volleyball head coach Carin Avery sits down to discuss the challenges that faced her team this season, the successful road trip last weekend through the state of Wisconsin and looks ahead to this weekend's pair of matches at the ARC.
10/15/2012
Vanden Berg, Root Tabbed Horizon League Players of the Week
Valparaiso junior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week, while senior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) shared Defensive Player of the Week honors following standout performances during a weekend which saw the Crusaders win a pair of matches in Wisconsin.
10/13/2012
Crusaders Down Milwaukee in Five-Set Thriller
The Valparaiso volleyball team earned its first win at Milwaukee in regular season play since joining the Horizon League on Saturday, downing the Panthers 3-2 (25-15, 25-23, 24-26, 21-25, 18-16). The Crusaders conclude the first half of league play at 5-2 and in a tie for second place in the league standings.
10/12/2012
Crusaders Claim Road Sweep of Green Bay
A school-record performance from senior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) propelled her into the top-10 in NCAA history in digs, while junior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) registered one of the best matches in program history on both sides of the ball as Valparaiso swept Green Bay, 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-19) in Horizon League play Friday evening in Green Bay, Wis.
10/11/2012
Crusader Volleyball Heads to Wisconsin This Weekend
Valparaiso makes its annual swing through the state of Wisconsin in Horizon League play this weekend, as the Crusaders take on Green Bay Friday night and Milwaukee Saturday afternoon.
10/6/2012
Valpo Takes Four-Set Win Over Youngstown State
Winning the second set deep into extra points gave Valparaiso the momentum it was looking for, as the Crusaders went on to down Youngstown State, 3-1 (22-25, 33-31, 25-17, 25-14), Saturday evening at the ARC as part of Homecoming weekend.
10/5/2012
Crusaders Fall in Five to Cleveland State
For the second straight Horizon League match, the Valparaiso volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set, but the Crusaders were unable to come out with the win Friday night, as Cleveland State downed Valpo, 3-2 (25-17, 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 15-10).
10/3/2012
Volleyball Returns Home for Homecoming Weekend
Valparaiso hosts Horizon League matches for the first time in 2012 as the Crusaders return to the ARC for Homecoming weekend. Valpo takes on Cleveland State Friday night before hosting Youngstown State on Saturday evening.
10/1/2012
Root Named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week
Coming off a week in which she broke the Valparaiso career digs record and moved into the top-25 in NCAA history in the category, Crusader senior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) added to her league record for weekly awards as she was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for the ninth time in her career.
9/28/2012
Crusaders Come From Behind to Down Wright State
The Valparaiso volleyball team stepped up its intensity on both sides of the ball to rally from a two-set deficit and defeat Wright State, 3-2 (22-25, 20-25, 25-13, 25-12, 15-13) Friday evening in Fairborn, Ohio.
9/26/2012
Root Breaks Career Digs Record; Valpo Falls to SDSU
Senior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) broke Valparaiso's career digs record on Wednesday evening and moved into the top-25 in NCAA history in the category as the Crusaders fell 3-1 (25-21, 14-25, 25-14, 25-19) to South Dakota State at the ARC.
9/25/2012
Valpo VB Hosts South Dakota State, Travels to Wright State
Valparaiso returns home for just the second time this year on Wednesday evening as the Crusaders host a non-league contest against South Dakota State. Two days later, Valpo kicks off a stretch of seven straight Horizon League matches at Wright State.
9/22/2012
Volleyball Bounces Back With Win at Loyola
The Valparaiso volleyball team rebounded from Friday night's league-opening loss with a solid performance Saturday behind a career-best 18 kills from sophomore Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette), defeating Loyola 3-1 (26-24, 29-31, 25-22, 25-21) in Chicago, Ill.
9/21/2012
Crusaders Drop HL Opener at UIC
The Valparaiso volleyball team opened up Horizon League play on Friday evening in Chicago, Ill., falling to host UIC, 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 26-24, 26-24).
9/20/2012
Root Candidate for Senior CLASS Award
Valparaiso senior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named one of 30 candidates for the 2012 volleyball Senior CLASS Award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.
9/19/2012
Valpo Volleyball Opens Horizon League Play This Weekend
Valparaiso opens the 2012 Horizon League slate this weekend with a pair of matches in the Windy City. The Crusaders will travel to Chicago to face UIC on Friday evening before taking on Loyola Saturday afternoon. Valpo is coming off a tournament title at the Hoosier Classic last weekend which included a five-set win over Indiana.
9/17/2012
Vanden Berg Named HL Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso junior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week after picking up 13 blocks last weekend in helping the Crusaders to the Hoosier Classic title.
9/15/2012
Crusaders Claim Hoosier Classic Crown
The Valparaiso volleyball team won its first in-season tournament title in two years on Saturday, closing the Hoosier Classic in emphatic fashion with sweeps of Miami (OH) (26-24, 25-18, 25-22) and UT-Chattanooga (25-19, 25-14, 25-12). Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Victor (Logansport, Ind./Logansport) was named Tournament MVP, while juniors Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove) and Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) joined Victor on the All-Tournament Team.
9/14/2012
Crusaders Down Indiana in Five Sets
The Valparaiso volleyball program earned the first win over a Big Ten team in program history on Friday evening, storming back from a two-set deficit to defeat Indiana, 3-2 (19-25, 17-25, 25-19, 25-18, 15-12) in its opener at the Hoosier Classic in Bloomington, Ind.
9/13/2012
Volleyball Travels to Hoosier Classic This Weekend
The Valparaiso volleyball team competes in its final early-season tournament this weekend as the Crusaders travel to Bloomington to take part in Indiana’s Hoosier Classic. Valpo faces the host Hoosiers Friday evening before taking on Miami (Ohio) and UT-Chattanooga on Saturday.
9/8/2012
Crusaders Drop Finale at Morehead State
Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Victor (Logansport, Ind./Logansport) picked up a career-high nine blocks, while sophomore Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) added eight blocks, but it wasn't enough for Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon, as the Crusaders dropped the finale of the MSU Eagle Challenge to host Morehead State, 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 15-5). Beil represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team.
9/7/2012
Crusaders Split Two Matches at MSU Eagle Challenge
The Valparaiso volleyball team opened up play at the MSU Eagle Challenge in Morehead, Ky. with a pair of matches, splitting two results. The Crusaders started the day with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-18) loss against SEC foe Missouri, but rebounded later in the afternoon with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-14) sweep over Savannah State.
9/4/2012
Crusader Volleyball Opens Home Slate With Win
The Valparaiso volleyball team opened the 2012 home season on Tuesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, rallying from a first-set loss to defeat Illinois State, 3-1 (13-25, 25-11, 25-22, 25-20).
9/3/2012
Valpo Opens Home Slate, Travels to MSU Eagle Challenge This Week
The Valparaiso volleyball team opens the 2012 home campaign at the ARC with a rare early-season mid-week match Tuesday night against Illinois State. The Crusaders then travel to Morehead, Ky. to participate in the MSU Eagle Challenge this weekend, facing Missouri and Savannah State in addition to host Morehead State.
9/1/2012
Crusaders Split Pair on Saturday in St. Louis
Valparaiso split a pair of matches on its final day of action in the Active Ankle Challenge in St. Louis, Mo., defeating South Alabama 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 26-24, 25-16) Saturday morning before falling to Southern Illinois 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-15) to close tournament play. Junior Janelle Hobbs (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team, the first All-Tournament honor of her career.
8/31/2012
Valpo Athletics Launches New Social Media Fan Engagement Program
Valpo Athletics announces the launch of a new social media fan engagement program where Crusader fans can show their support for Valpo Athletics and each individual team through a combination of in-game social media campaigns, engaging teams on social networks and earning rewards through our new Valpo Crusader Social Rewards program. Fans can visit ValpoRewards.com to start playing!
8/31/2012
Crusaders Fall to Host Saint Louis Friday Night
In a back-and-forth match which featured 24 ties and 12 lead changes over its four sets, Valparaiso came out on the wrong end of a 3-1 (27-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-23) decision Friday evening against host Saint Louis in both teams' opener at the Active Ankle Challenge in St. Louis, Mo.
8/29/2012
Valpo Volleyball Heads to Saint Louis This Weekend
The Valparaiso volleyball team hits the road for the second of its four early-season tournaments this weekend, traveling to St. Louis, Mo. for the Active Ankle Challenge, hosted by Saint Louis University. The Crusaders are also scheduled to face South Alabama and Southern Illinois as part of the tournament.
8/25/2012
Crusaders Split For Second Straight Day at Iowa
The Valparaiso volleyball team rallied from a two sets to one deficit to defeat South Dakota State Saturday afternoon, 3-2 (25-23, 15-25, 16-25, 25-18, 15-8), but later fell to host Iowa despite capturing the first set, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-16), to close out action at the Hawkeye Challenge in Iowa City, Iowa. Junior Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute) and senior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
8/24/2012
Crusaders Split Pair of Matches on First Day of Action
The Valparaiso volleyball team opened the 2012 campaign Friday at the Hawkeye Challenge in Iowa City, Iowa with a split of its two matches, dropping the opener to Southeast Missouri State 3-1 (14-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-18) before coming back to sweep Chicago State (25-8, 25-15, 25-14) in its afternoon match.
8/23/2012
Crusader Volleyball Ready For Season-Opening Tournament
The Valparaiso volleyball program kicks off the 2012 campaign this weekend at the Hawkeye Challenge in Iowa City, Iowa, playing four matches over a two-day span. The Crusaders enter 2012 having won at least 20 matches in each of the last 10 years.
8/22/2012
Jordan Stevens, Carin Avery Agree to Extensions
Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that softball head coach Jordan Stevens and volleyball head coach Carin Avery have both agreed to extensions.
8/17/2012
Root Named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the league’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and one of seven athletes on the Preseason All-League squad, as voted on by the league’s eight head coaches and released by the league office this morning.
8/16/2012
Crusader Volleyball Tabbed Third in HL Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso volleyball squad has been predicted to finish in third place in the Horizon League in 2012, as chosen by the league’s nine head coaches.
7/25/2012
Crusaders Announce 2012 Volleyball Schedule
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the Crusaders’ schedule for the upcoming 2012 campaign, a slate which includes a pair of early-season tournaments at Big Ten programs, as well as 10 home matches throughout the season at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo enters 2012 as one of just 12 teams nationwide which has won at least 20 matches in each of the last 10 seasons.
5/2/2012
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host its annual summer camp from July 9-12, 2012 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 5-12.
4/16/2012
Crusader Volleyball Signs Tekavec to NLI
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Chelsey Tekavec, a 5’10” right side/libero from Solon, Ohio, has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader volleyball program as a freshman in the fall of 2012.
3/27/2012
Crusader Volleyball Announces 2012 Spring Schedule
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.
2/1/2012
Valpo Volleyball Places Four on Academic All-League Team
The Valparaiso volleyball team tied for league-high honors, placing four players on the Academic All-Horizon League team for 2011. Sophomore Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove), redshirt freshman Lindsey Hauch (Coloma, Mich./Coloma), senior Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) and junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) all earned the accolade for the combination of their performance on the court and in the classroom.
1/30/2012
Valpo Hall of Fame to Induct Lauren (Moulton) Marshall
A force from the right side, Lauren (Moulton) Marshall ranks as one of the top hitters on the volleyball court in Valparaiso University history, and on Saturday, February 4, she will be inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame.
1/26/2012
Hall of Fame to Induct Katie (Bova) Hoffman on Feb. 4
One of the top setters all-time at Valparaiso University, Katie (Bova) Hoffmann helped lead the Crusaders’ volleyball program to three Mid-Continent Conference titles as well as three NCAA Tournament appearances, and on Saturday, February 4, she will be inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame.
12/14/2011
Root Named Honorable Mention All-American
For the second consecutive season, Valparaiso junior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named an Honorable Mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Root becomes the second player in Valpo volleyball history to twice receive the national accolade.
12/6/2011
Root Earns All-Region Accolade; Pokorny Named Honorable Mention
For the second straight season, Valparaiso had a pair of players honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as the organization released its all-region teams on Tuesday. Junior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) earned All-Midwest Region accolades for the second straight year, while senior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) was named an Honorable Mention All-Midwest Region recipient for the second time.
11/26/2011
Valpo Drops Season Finale to Western Michigan
The careers of Valparaiso seniors Katie Britton (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian), Amy Groesbeck (Winfield, Ill./Wheaton North) and Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) came to an end on Saturday evening as the Crusaders dropped their season finale at Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-18).
11/20/2011
Root Earns All-Tournament Honor
For the third time in as many seasons, junior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been selected to represent Valparaiso on the All-Tournament Team at the Horizon League Championship.
11/19/2011
Valpo Downed by Milwaukee in HL Semifinal
Fourth-seeded Valparaiso had a pair of set point chances to tie its Horizon League semifinal at top-seeded Milwaukee at one set apiece in the second frame, but the Crusaders couldn’t convert and eventually fell to the host Panthers 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 25-17) Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee, Wis.
11/18/2011
Crusaders Reach 20 Wins, Advance to HL Semis With Sweep of UIC
Fourth-seeded Valparaiso reached the 20-win milestone for the tenth consecutive year, but more importantly advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 Horizon League Championship as the Crusaders swept fifth-seeded UIC (25-21, 25-16, 25-17) Friday afternoon in Milwaukee, Wis.
11/16/2011
Crusaders Set For Horizon League Championship
The Valparaiso volleyball team heads to the 2011 Horizon League Championship as the fourth seed. The Crusaders open play in a quarterfinal against fifth-seeded UIC on Friday afternoon, and will have to win three matches in as many days to capture the tournament crown.
11/14/2011
Root Repeats as Defensive Player of the Year; Beil, Pokorny Also Honored
Valparaiso junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year as the league released its postseason award winners on Monday afternoon. Root also earned All-League honors for the third year in a row, while senior Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) earned repeat All-League accolades as well. Freshman Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) joined her pair of upperclassmen teammates on the All-League team and also was a member of the All-Newcomer squad.
11/14/2011
Root Earns Record Eighth Horizon League Weekly Honor
After breaking the Horizon League record for career digs last week, junior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) set another record on Monday, becoming the first volleyball player in league history to earn Player of the Week accolades eight times as she picked up the final Defensive Player of the Week honor of the regular season.
11/13/2011
Valpo Heads to Horizon League Championship as Fourth Seed
The Valparaiso volleyball team will head to the 2011 Horizon League Championship in Milwaukee, Wis. next weekend as the fourth seed, opening tournament play in a quarterfinal against fifth-seeded UIC at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
11/11/2011
Crusaders Fall in Horizon League Finale to Milwaukee
Valparaiso took the third set from league-leading Milwaukee and had three chances to send the match to a decisive fifth set, but the Panthers rallied to down the Crusaders 3-1 (25-19, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24) Friday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Senior Night. Valpo will now enter next weekend’s Horizon League Championship as the fourth seed.
11/10/2011
Valpo to Close HL Slate at Home Friday Night
The Valparaiso volleyball team closes the Horizon League slate on Friday evening on Senior Night at the ARC against league-leading Milwaukee. The match is the Crusaders’ last before the start of the Horizon League Championship next weekend at Milwaukee.
11/9/2011
Crusader Volleyball Signs Kelsey Berrington to NLI
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Kelsey Berrington, a 5’9” setter from Britton, Mich., has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Crusader volleyball program as a freshman for with the 2012 season.
11/8/2011
Valpo Defeats Chicago State Tuesday Evening
Valparaiso moved one step closer to reaching the 20-win plateau for the tenth straight season, defeating Chicago State 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-14) Tuesday evening in Chicago, Ill.
11/5/2011
Valpo Drops Four-Set Match to Cleveland State
Valparaiso captured the first set Saturday afternoon from Cleveland State in Cleveland, Ohio, but the Vikings took the next three sets to deal the Crusaders a 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15) defeat.
11/4/2011
Crusaders Sweep YSU in Straight Sets
For the eighth time this season in Horizon League action, the Valparaiso volleyball team needed the minimum number of sets to dispatch of an opponent, as the Crusaders swept Youngstown State 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-19) Friday evening in Youngstown, Ohio.
11/3/2011
Crusaders Continue Road Trip in Ohio
The Valparaiso volleyball team continues a stretch of six matches away from the ARC this weekend as it heads to eastern Ohio for a pair of Horizon League contests. The Crusaders will take on Youngstown State on Friday evening before stopping by Cleveland State for a Saturday afternoon matchup.
10/29/2011
Crusader Volleyball Back on Winning Track With Win at Wright State
Valparaiso set a new program record for fewest points allowed in a set, crushing Wright State in the opening frame en route to a 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-16) victory in Dayton, Ohio Saturday afternoon.
10/28/2011
Valpo Drops 3-1 Decision at Butler
Valparaiso came out on the wrong end of a 3-1 (25-16, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16) decision Friday evening in Indianapolis, Ind. against Butler, despite a match-best 14 kills from senior Katie Britton (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian).
10/25/2011
Valpo Falls in Non-League Action at IUPUI
Valparaiso was unable to overcome 18 total blocks by IUPUI Tuesday evening, as the Crusaders fell to the Jaguars 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23) in Indianapolis, Ind.
10/24/2011
Valpo VB Prepares For Start of Six-Match Road Trip
Valparaiso begins a six-match road trip with a trio of contests this week. The Crusaders make two trips to Indianapolis this week, taking on IUPUI Tuesday and Butler Friday before continuing the league weekend road swing Saturday at Wright State.
10/24/2011
Root Earns HL Defensive Player of the Week Honor
Valparaiso junior libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) earned Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week accolades for the second time this year after posting a new career high in the digs category last Saturday afternoon. The honor is the seventh weekly award of Root’s career, tied for the most weekly awards in Horizon League volleyball history.
10/22/2011
Crusaders Drop Five-Set Decision to Green Bay
Despite a new career high in digs from junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) and a second straight standout offensive performance from freshman Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette), Valparaiso could not come out with a victory Saturday afternoon, falling in five sets (25-23, 16-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-13) to Green Bay at the ARC.
10/21/2011
Crusaders Dominate Offensively in Sweep of Loyola
Led by standout offensive performances from freshman Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) and sophomore Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute), the Valparaiso volleyball team swept Loyola 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-14) at the Athletics-Recreation Center Friday evening to extend their winning streak to three matches.
10/19/2011
Valpo Returns to the ARC to Host Loyola, Green Bay
Valparaiso returns home to the ARC for two more Horizon League contests this weekend, hosting Loyola on Friday night and Green Bay on Saturday afternoon. The two home matches end a stretch in which the Crusaders play six out of eight contests at home.
10/14/2011
Crusaders Cruise to Sweep of UIC
Valparaiso used an early run in set one, a mid-set run in the second frame and a late spurt in the finale to propel itself to a clean 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-21) sweep of UIC Friday night in Chicago, Ill. to start the second half of Horizon League play.
10/13/2011
Valpo VB Starts Second Half at UIC Friday
After playing five matches in a 10-day span, the Valparaiso volleyball team has just one match on the docket this week, as the Crusaders make the short trip to Chicago to face UIC Friday to start the second half of Horizon League play.
10/9/2011
Valpo Sweeps Youngstown State Sunday Afternoon
The Valparaiso volleyball team closed out the first half of Horizon League play on a high note Sunday afternoon at the ARC, sweeping visiting Youngstown State 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-18).
10/8/2011
Crusaders Drop Second Straight Five-Set Showdown
For the second straight match, the Valparaiso volleyball team dropped a tight five-set decision, as Cleveland State earned the 3-2 (26-24, 22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-8) victory at the ARC on Saturday evening.
10/7/2011
Help the Valpo Volleyball Team "White Out" the ARC!
Help the Valparaiso volleyball team “White Out” the ARC on Saturday afternoon as the Crusaders host Cleveland State in Horizon League action at 5 p.m! All fans are encouraged to wear white shirts to the game, while the first 200 fans through the doors will receive a free t-shirt.
10/5/2011
Crusaders Fall in Five Sets at Milwaukee
Valparaiso took the first two sets from league-leading Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wis. Wednesday evening, but the Crusaders eventually fell in five sets to the Panthers, 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-10).
10/4/2011
Valpo Volleyball Gears Up For Three HL Matches
A three-match week is highlighted by games with a pair of teams vying with Valparaiso near the top of the Horizon League table. The Crusaders travel to league-leading Milwaukee on Wednesday before hosting Cleveland State Saturday and Youngstown State Sunday at the ARC.
10/1/2011
Volleyball Completes Homecoming Weekend With Win Over Butler
Valparaiso ended Homecoming Weekend on a high note Saturday evening, defeating Butler 3-1 (25-21, 16-25, 25-17, 25-16) at the Athletics-Recreation Center to improve to 4-1 in Horizon League play.
9/30/2011
Valpo Downs Wright State in Sweep Friday
Valparaiso used a balanced dominant offensive attack to easily handle Wright State Friday evening in Horizon League action at the ARC, sweeping the visiting Raiders 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-16).
9/28/2011
Volleyball Returns to ARC For Homecoming Weekend
Valparaiso hosts a pair of Horizon League matches this Homecoming weekend, welcoming Wright State on Friday night before taking on Butler on Saturday evening. The pair of contests at the ARC begins a stretch in which the Crusaders will play six out of their next eight matches at home.
9/24/2011
Crusaders Earn Road Sweep at Loyola
Valparaiso totaled 13 team blocks Saturday afternoon, including a career-best nine rejections from sophomore Ellen Vanden Berg (Little Chute, Wis./Little Chute), as the Crusaders bounced back with a 3-0 (25-16, 26-24, 25-17) victory over Loyola in Chicago, Ill.
9/23/2011
Valpo Falls to Green Bay Friday Night
Valparaiso’s first road match of the 2011 Horizon League season did not end on a positive note for the Crusaders, as homestanding Green Bay came out 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-21) victors Friday evening in Green Bay, Wis.
9/21/2011
Valpo Travels to Green Bay, Loyola
After starting Horizon League play with a single mid-week match last week, Valparaiso starts a month-long stretch of nothing but league contests this weekend. The Crusaders make the trek up to Green Bay for a Friday night match before stopping at Loyola Saturday afternoon on their way back to Indiana.
9/19/2011
Beil Named HL Offensive Player of the Week
Freshman middle hitter Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday morning. It marks the first career weekly honor from the league office for the freshman.
9/17/2011
Valpo Splits Pair to Close DePaul Invitational
Valparaiso split a pair of hard-fought matches Saturday afternoon to close out early-season tournament action at the DePaul Invitational, falling to Kansas 3-2 (25-18, 27-29, 21-25, 25-16, 15-10) before downing San Diego State 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-22) to finish the tournament in second place.
9/16/2011
Valpo Cruises to Three-Set Sweep of DePaul
Valparaiso had little trouble in its first match of the DePaul Invitational in Chicago, Ill. Friday evening, dispatching of the host Blue Demons in three straight sets (25-14, 25-8, 25-20).
9/14/2011
Crusaders Sweep UIC to Open Horizon League Play
Freshman Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) posted a match-best 12 kills while hitting at a monster .688 clip to lead Valparaiso as it easily swept UIC (25-21, 25-19, 25-13) to open up Horizon League action Wednesday night at the ARC.
9/13/2011
Valpo VB Opens League Play, Heads to DePaul This Week
Valparaiso gets an early start to Horizon League play with a single mid-week match Wednesday night at home against UIC. The Crusaders then compete in their final in-season tournament of the season, facing Kansas and San Diego State as well as the hosts of the DePaul Invitational.
9/11/2011
Valpo Falls to Notre Dame
Valparaiso battled on Notre Dame’s home court with the host Fighting Irish in the finale of the Golden Dome Invitational Sunday afternoon, but in the end, it was Notre Dame defeating Valpo by a 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) count. Freshman Morgan Beil (St. Louis, Mo./Marquette) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
9/10/2011
Crusaders Drop 3-1 Decision to Lipscomb
Valparaiso took the opening set from Lipscomb Saturday afternoon in Notre Dame, Ind. at the Golden Dome Invitational, but could not slow down the Bisons’ offensive attack in the last three frames as Valpo fell by a 3-1 final (21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-23).
9/9/2011
Crusaders Open Golden Dome Invite With Sweep of Portland
Valparaiso put together a solid offensive team effort, hitting .297 for the match, and came up with key points at the end of all three sets as the Crusaders earned a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-21) sweep of Portland Friday afternoon in Notre Dame, Ind.
9/8/2011
Valpo Volleyball Readies For Golden Dome Invitational
Valparaiso makes the short trip east to the University of Notre Dame this weekend to compete at the Golden Dome Invitational. The Crusaders will face Portland on Friday afternoon and Lipscomb on Saturday afternoon before closing tournament action against the host Irish on Sunday.
9/3/2011
Valpo Wins Pair On Final Day of Marriott Volley Brawl
Valparaiso used all facets of the game to earn a pair of victories on Saturday at the ARC, putting forth a stellar defensive effort in a 3-1 (25-14, 26-28, 25-12, 25-20) victory over Texas A&M-CC in the morning before dominating offensively in a 3-1 (26-24, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20) win over Evansville in the afternoon. The pair of victories gave the Crusaders second place in the Marriott Volley Brawl, while senior Amy Groesbeck (Wheaton, Ill./North) and junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team.
9/2/2011
Valpo Splits on Opening Day of Marriott Volley Brawl
Hosting a tournament at the ARC for the first time since 2007, the Valparaiso volleyball team split a pair of sweeps on the first day of action at the Marriott Volley Brawl. The Crusaders opened the tournament with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-8) victory over Murray State before falling in the day’s final match, 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-19), to Ball State.
8/31/2011
Valpo Set to Host Marriott Volley Brawl
Valparaiso hosts an in-season tournament at the ARC this weekend for the first time since 2007, bringing in Ball State, Evansville, Murray State and Texas A&M-CC for the Marriott Volley Brawl. The five-team round-robin tournament features four matches for the Crusaders, who enter the weekend on a three-match winning streak.
8/29/2011
Root Picks Up Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week Honor
Junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) picked up her sixth career Player of the Week honor from the Horizon League office on Monday, receiving Defensive Player of the Week accolades for her efforts on the back line at the WVU Mountaineer Invitational last weekend. Root’s six career weekly honors are tied for second-most in Horizon League history.
8/29/2011
Pokorny, Root Earn All-Tournament Accolades
Senior Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) and junior Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) represented Valparaiso on the WVU Mountaineer Invitational All-Tournament Team as they helped lead the Crusaders to a 3-1 mark at their season-opening tournament.
8/27/2011
Valpo Sweeps Pair On Final Day at West Virginia
Valparaiso closed out play at the WVU Mountaineer Invitational in Morgantown, W.V. on Saturday by cruising to a pair of sweeps, downing Robert Morris early in the afternoon (25-12, 25-23, 25-9) before taking down New Hampshire (25-17, 25-17, 25-11) to conclude tournament action.
8/26/2011
Crusaders Defeat West Virginia to Earn Split Friday
Valparaiso rallied from down two sets to one to post a 3-2 (25-16, 21-25, 19-25, 26-24, 15-12) victory over tournament host West Virginia to earn a split of its first day of play Friday at the WVU Mountaineer Invitational in Morgantown, W.V. #21 Ohio State defeated the Crusaders in their season opener, 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-22).
8/25/2011
Valpo Opens Season at West Virginia
Valparaiso kicks off the 2011 volleyball season this weekend in Morgantown, W.V., playing four matches as part of the WVU Mountaineer Invitational. The Crusaders enter the season in search of their tenth consecutive 20-win campaign.
8/24/2011
Crusader Volleyball Tabbed Third in Horizon League
The Valparaiso volleyball squad has been predicted to finish in a tie for third place in the Horizon League in 2011, as chosen by the league’s nine head coaches. The Crusaders picked up one first-place vote and tallied 51 points, finishing just one point out of the second position.
8/23/2011
Crusader Volleyball Set For 2011 Campaign
The Valparaiso volleyball program’s tradition of excellence rolled on in 2010, as the Crusaders won 27 matches and advanced to the Horizon League Championship match for the second time in four years. It marked Valpo’s ninth consecutive 20-win season, making the Crusaders one of just 12 teams nationwide to have won 20 or more matches nine straight years. With 11 letterwinners, including four starters, returning in 2011, hopes are high for Valpo to capture a Horizon League title and extend its stretch of 20-win campaigns.
8/11/2011
Communiversity Day Set for Sept. 3
Valparaiso University invites the Northwest Indiana community to celebrate the second annual Communiversity Day on Saturday, Sept. 3 which includes the football home opener against Franklin as well as volleyball’s Marriot Volley Brawl tournament.
8/8/2011
Valpo Volleyball to Host Alumni Match August 13
Valparaiso volleyball fans will get their first chance to catch a glimpse of the 2011 Crusaders in action, while at the same time welcoming back some of the players who have helped build the program into what it is today, as Valpo hosts an Alumni Match at the Athletics-Recreation Center this Saturday, August 13 at 5 p.m. The match is open to the public and is free of charge.
7/21/2011
Crusaders Earn AVCA Team Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2010-2011 academic year, as announced by the AVCA this week. It marks the seventh time in the last eight seasons that the Crusaders have earned the award.
6/14/2011
Bukowski Returns to Crusaders as Graduate Assistant
Head coach Carin Avery announced today that Kim Bukowski, who ranks third in Crusader volleyball history in assists, is returning to Valparaiso University and the Crusader volleyball program as a graduate assistant coach for the 2011 season.
5/24/2011
Crusaders Announce 2011 Volleyball Schedule
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the Crusaders' schedule for the upcoming 2011 campaign, a slate which includes 10 matches against teams which won 20 or more contests a season ago, as well as Valpo's first in-season tournament at the ARC in four years. Valparaiso enters the 2011 season having won 20 or more matches each of the last nine years.
5/17/2011
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host its annual summer camp from July 6-9, 2011 at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the Valpo campus. The camp is open to both girls and boys, grades 5-12.
4/10/2011
Root Named to CVU Stellar Spikers First Team
Sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named to the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) Stellar Spikers First Team, one of just 14 players so honored nationwide, after her record-setting 2010 season.
4/7/2011
Crusaders to Host Iowa Saturday at ARC
Valparaiso will host Iowa at the ARC this Saturday, April 9, in a five-set match as part of the Crusaders' spring schedule. The match, which is open to the public free of charge, is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. start.
3/25/2011
Crusaders Part of Spring Coverage Tomorrow on SportsTownChicago.com
Fans of Valparaiso volleyball can tune in to SportsTownChicago.com on Saturday to catch coverage of Crusader volleyball, as well as other tournament action, from the Great Lakes Center Collegiate Challenge in Aurora, Ill.
2/18/2011
Three Crusader Volleyball Players Named to Academic All-League Team
Seniors Val Bollenbacher (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) and Katie Layman (LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie) were joined by sophomore Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) as Valparaiso placed three athletes on the 2010 Horizon League Academic All-League Team in volleyball.
2/14/2011
Root Named Among Top Five Liberos by CVU.com
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named one of the Top Five Liberos of 2010 by the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) after her record-setting campaign.
2/10/2011
Valparaiso Named CVU Deep Digging Team of the Year
Valparaiso has been chosen as the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) 2010 Deep Digging Team of the Year after a 2010 campaign in which the Crusaders stood out all across the back line.
12/24/2010
Root Ends Season as National Leader in Digs/Set
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) officially ended the 2010 volleyball campaign as the Division I leader in digs per set in the NCAA's final stat update of the season. Root's national-leading performance paced a number of individual and team efforts that ranked among the nation's best.
12/15/2010
Root Named Honorable Mention All-American
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) received AVCA Honorable Mention All-American accolades today after being named to the All-Midwest Region squad last week. Root becomes the third Crusader volleyball player in the last three seasons to earn Honorable Mention All-American notice.
12/7/2010
Root Earns All-Region Accolade; Pokorny Named Honorable Mention All-Region
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Midwest Region team following her record-breaking 2010 campaign. In addition, junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) earned Honorable Mention All-Region notice.
12/1/2010
Root Earns Third CVU Weekly Honor of Season
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been recognized by the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) for the third time this season as one of its Top Performers from last week following her season-ending performance at Western Michigan.
11/28/2010
Valpo Closes Season With 3-1 Win Over Western Michigan
Valparaiso concluded its 2010 campaign on a winning note and sent the senior class out winners with its 27th victory of the season, fending off set points in each of the final three frames to defeat Western Michigan 3-1 (11-25, 27-25, 27-25, 27-25) Saturday evening in Kalamazoo, Mich. Sophomore libero Taylor Root set new single-season program and Horizon League records for digs, closing the year with 754 total digs.
11/21/2010
Crusaders Drop Horizon League Championship Match to Butler
Valparaiso's quest to capture the 2010 Horizon League Volleyball Championship came up one match short Sunday afternoon, as the fourth-seeded Crusaders fell to second-seeded Butler, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-16), in the championship match. Senior Tara Diebler (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) and sophomore Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) represented Valpo on the All-Tournament Team.
11/20/2010
Crusaders Move On to HL Championship Match
Valparaiso blitzed host Milwaukee in the first set and then rallied in the final two sets for a 3-0 (25-7, 27-25, 25-23) sweep of the league regular-season champion in the first semifinal of the 2010 Horizon League Championship. With the win, the Crusaders will play in the championship match Sunday at 1 p.m.
11/19/2010
Crusaders Score 20 Straight Points in Quarterfinal Win Over Green Bay
Freshman Ariel Cudney tallied five aces in a 12-point run to close the opening set and Valparaiso then scored the first eight points of the second set en route to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-19) sweep of Green Bay Friday evening in quarterfinal action at the 2010 Horizon League Volleyball Championship in Milwaukee, Wis. Valpo will now take on host Milwaukee in the first semifinal Saturday at 1 p.m.
11/18/2010
Valpo Heads to 2010 HL Volleyball Championship
Valparaiso heads to the 2010 Horizon League Volleyball Championship as the tournament's fourth seed, looking to bring home the program's first tournament title as a member of the league.
11/17/2010
Root Named HL Defensive Player of the Year; Two Other Crusaders Honored
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year as the league announced its postseason awards today. Root was joined on the All-League Team by junior setter Jenny Pokorny , while freshman outside hitter Sarah Dooms earned a spot on the All-Newcomer Team.
11/15/2010
Valpo Earns Fourth Seed for HL Championship
Valparaiso has earned the fourth seed for the 2010 Horizon League Volleyball Championship and will face fifth-seeded Green Bay in the first round of the tournament, Friday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in Milwaukee, Wis.
11/13/2010
18 Blocks Not Enough For Crusaders Saturday
Despite tallying 18 total blocks, the most in a single match by a Crusader team in nearly five years, Valparaiso fell Saturday at Loyola, 3-2 (15-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 16-14), in the Horizon League regular season finale for both squads in Chicago, Ill.
11/12/2010
Valpo Volleyball Signs Pair of Players
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Morgan Beil and Tricia Prince have both signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Crusader program for the 2011 season.
11/9/2010
Crusaders Sweep Chicago State Tuesday Night
Valparaiso improved to 24-6 on the season as a number of reserves got a chance to shine Tuesday evening in a 3-0 (25-16, 25-6, 25-13) sweep of Chicago State in Chicago, Ill.
11/8/2010
Final Tuneups For Horizon League Championship Await Valpo
Valparaiso makes two short trips to Chicago this week in its final preparations for the 2010 Horizon League Championship. The Crusaders face off against Chicago State in non-league action Tuesday night before closing out the league slate at Loyola on Saturday.
11/6/2010
Crusaders Pick Up Big Road Sweep at Cleveland State
A career-best nine blocks by senior middle Tara Diebler (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) paced the Valparaiso defensive effort Saturday as the Crusaders slowed down the Cleveland State offense en route to a 3-0 (32-30, 25-19, 25-18) sweep of the Vikings Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio.
11/5/2010
Crusaders Down Youngstown State in Four Sets
Junior Katie Britton (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) posted a match-high 20 kills, the second-best output of her career, as Valparaiso overcame a lackluster first set to earn a 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-10, 25-17) victory at Youngstown State Friday evening in Youngstown, Ohio.
11/3/2010
Valpo Travels to YSU, CSU This Weekend
Already assured of a berth in the 2010 Horizon League Championship, Valparaiso looks to secure its seeding for the tournament this weekend with a pair of league road tests. The Crusaders face Youngstown State on Friday evening before traveling to Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon.
11/2/2010
Root Leads Nation in Digs
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) currently leads all of NCAA Division I volleyball with 5.84 digs/set, according to the NCAA's latest statistical report through matches of Oct. 31. Root has helped pace the Crusaders to the second spot in the nation in digs/set as a squad as well.
10/30/2010
Valpo Drops Four-Set Decision to Milwaukee
Valparaiso was unable to take down Milwaukee Saturday evening at the ARC, dropping a 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 25-17) decision to the league-leading Panthers.
10/29/2010
Seniors Lead Way In Four-Set Win Over Green Bay
It was Senior Night at the ARC Friday evening for the Valparaiso volleyball team, making it only appropriate that the Crusaders' quartet of seniors led the way in a 3-1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 25-20) victory over Green Bay. Middle hitter Katie Layman (LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie) smashed her previous career high by tallying 21 kills Friday night.
10/28/2010
Root Named ‘The People's Choice' Yet Again
For the second time this season and the fourth time in her career, Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been voted ‘The People's Choice' on the Horizon League Network. Root is currently spotlighted in a video on the Horizon League website via phone interview.
10/27/2010
Crusaders Set to Close Out Home Campaign
Valparaiso finishes the 2010 home season at the Athletics-Recreation Center this weekend with a pair of key league matches. The Crusaders host Green Bay on Friday night for their annual breast cancer awareness match, as well as Senior Night, before welcoming Milwaukee on Saturday.
10/26/2010
Root Earns CVU Top Performer Nod for Second Time This Year
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison), fresh off her third Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week honor of the season, has been recognized by the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) for the second time this year as one of its Top Performers from last week.
10/25/2010
Crusaders Win 20 For Ninth Straight Season; Diebler Posts 1,000th Kill
It was an entire team effort for Valparaiso as the Crusaders used 16 players in a sweep of SIU Edwardsville (25-23, 25-20, 25-18) Monday evening in Edwardsville, Ill. With the win, Valpo has now won 20 or more matches each of the last nine seasons. Senior middle hitter Tara Diebler reached the 1,000-kill mark for her career in the first set of the sweep.
10/25/2010
Root Earns Third Weekly Honor of 2010 Season
For the third time this season and fifth time in her career, Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week.
10/23/2010
Balanced Offense Stands Out in Valpo Sweep of UIC
Six Crusaders tallied between seven and nine kills Saturday evening as the Valparaiso offense hit at a .254 clip in a 3-0 (25-19, 25-10, 25-22) sweep of UIC in Horizon League play at the ARC.
10/22/2010
Former Crusader Sears Playing Professionally in Belgium
Allison Sears, who starred at middle hitter for the Valparaiso volleyball team from 2005 through 2008, has taken her skills over to Europe, where she is currently playing professionally for Datovoc Tongeren, a team in Belgium's top division.
10/21/2010
Pokorny Named ‘The People's Choice' For Second Time This Year
Following her second Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week award of the season, Valparaiso junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) was again voted as ‘The People's Choice' on the Horizon League Network. Pokorny is currently spotlighted in a video on the Horizon League website via phone interview.
10/19/2010
Crusaders Dominate in Sweep of Oakland
Valparaiso never trailed later than halfway in any of the three sets en route to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-15) sweep of Oakland in Rochester, Mich. Tuesday evening.
10/18/2010
Pokorny Earns Weekly Honors From Horizon League for Second Time
Valparaiso junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after registering her second career triple-double last weekend.
10/18/2010
Pair of Matches on the Slate For Volleyball
Valparaiso closes out a three-match road trip with a non-league showdown Tuesday at former Mid-Con opponent Oakland. The Crusaders play just one Horizon League contest this week, a Saturday night return to the ARC against UIC.
10/16/2010
Pokorny Picks Up Triple-Double As Crusaders Beat Wright State
Junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) recorded her second career triple-double and the Crusaders had their best blocking match in nearly four years as Valparaiso defeated Wright State, 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-12, 25-15), Saturday afternoon in Dayton, Ohio.
10/15/2010
Crusaders Fall Friday Night at Butler
The Valparaiso volleyball team suffered its first sweep of the 2010 season Friday night, falling in straight sets (25-14, 25-20, 25-19) to Butler in Indianapolis, Ind.
10/13/2010
Valpo Starts Second Half of League Play on Road
The second half of Horizon League play gets underway for Valparaiso this weekend as the Crusaders hit the road again. Valpo takes on in-state rival and co-league leader Butler Friday night before continuing on to Dayton to face Wright State Saturday afternoon.
10/10/2010
Crusaders Sweep Youngstown State to Close First Half of League Play
A career-best 15 kills from sophomore outside hitter Mary Dent (Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben) spurred Valparaiso on to a straight-set sweep (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) over Youngstown State Sunday afternoon in Horizon League play at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
10/9/2010
Valpo Drops Battle With Cleveland State Saturday
Valparaiso took the first set Saturday evening from Cleveland State Saturday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but the Vikings came back to earn a 3-1 (21-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-18) victory over the Crusaders in Horizon League play.
10/5/2010
Crusaders Fire on All Cylinders in Sweep of Loyola
Led by one of the most efficient offensive performances in school history by freshman Sarah Dooms (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove), Valparaiso cruised to a 3-0 (25-10, 25-18, 25-15) sweep of Loyola in a rare Tuesday night Horizon League matchup at the ARC.
10/4/2010
Volleyball to Host Three HL Matches This Week
Valparaiso returns to the ARC for a key three-match Horizon League homestand this week, taking on Loyola Tuesday, Cleveland State Saturday and Youngstown State Sunday. The Crusaders are looking to cement their spot in the upper portion of the standings as they hit the halfway mark of league play.
10/2/2010
Volleyball Back on Winning Track With Victory at Green Bay
Valparaiso rebounded from a tough loss Friday night, picking up a 3-1 (25-16, 25-17, 14-25, 25-23) victory over Green Bay Saturday afternoon in Green Bay, Wis. to earn a weekend road split.
10/1/2010
Valpo Falls in Five to Milwaukee
Valparaiso forced a fifth set Friday evening on the road at preseason league favorite Milwaukee, but the Panthers came away with the win in the final frame to earn the 3-2 (19-25, 25-13, 25-22, 19-25, 15-13) victory over the Crusaders at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee.
9/30/2010
Crusaders To Take On Milwaukee, Green Bay
Valparaiso heads away from home this weekend, traveling north to Wisconsin to take on Milwaukee and Green Bay in Horizon League action. At the halfway point of their season, the Crusaders currently sit with an impressive 13-2 record.
9/29/2010
Crusader Volleyball Ranked Among Nation's Best in Attendance
The Valparaiso volleyball team is currently one of just 39 programs nationwide and the only program in the Horizon League averaging better than 850 fans per home match, according to the latest national volleyball attendance report.
9/25/2010
Valpo Improves to 13-2, Knocks Off IUPUI
Valparaiso stepped out of league play at the ARC on Homecoming Saturday, defeating IUPUI 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17) to improve to 13-2 on the season.
9/24/2010
Crusaders Earn Five-Set Win on Road at UIC
Valparaiso saw a 2-0 lead slip away against UIC Friday evening in Chicago, Ill., but rallied after trailing by six points in the fifth set and then facing a pair of match points to earn the 3-2 (25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 19-25, 17-15) victory over the Flames in Horizon League action.
9/23/2010
Pokorny Named ‘The People's Choice' on HLN
Crusader fans turned out in force to vote once again, giving Valparaiso junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) the title of ‘The People's Choice' on the Horizon League Network this week. Pokorny is currently spotlighted in a video on the Horizon League website via phone interview.
9/22/2010
UIC, IUPUI on the Docket for Volleyball This Weekend
After suffering their first loss since the season opener last week, Valparaiso looks to rebound as it travels to Chicago to face UIC before returning home on Homecoming Saturday for a non-league showdown with IUPUI.
9/20/2010
Pokorny Named Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon.
9/18/2010
Valpo Drops Hard-Fought Battle to Butler
In front of the largest home crowd in program history, Valparaiso fought back from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth frame, but Butler came out with the 3-2 (25-18, 25-16, 13-25, 18-25, 15-11) victory Saturday afternoon at the ARC. The loss snaps the Crusaders' 11-match winning streak.
9/17/2010
Crusader Volleyball Wins 11th Straight in HL Opener
For the fifth time this season, Valparaiso rallied after dropping the first set, coming from behind to earn a 3-1 victory over Wright State Friday evening at the ARC in the team's Horizon League opener. The Crusaders, who were playing at home for the first time this season, have now won 11 consecutive matches and own the best 12-match start in program history at 11-1.
9/15/2010
Volleyball Kicks Off Horizon League Play at Home
Horizon League play is on the slate this weekend for Valparaiso, as is the start of the home schedule, as the Crusaders take the court at the ARC for the first time this year against Wright State and Butler. The Crusaders are looking to continue the best start in program history and also extend a 10-match winning streak.
9/14/2010
Root Earns CVU Top Performer Recognition
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been recognized by the Collegiate Volleyball Update as one of its Top Performers from last week after being named the Most Valuable Player at Bradley's CEFCU Classic. In addition, the sophomore is ranked second in the nation in digs/set, as the NCAA released its first statistics report of the 2010 season today.
9/13/2010
Season Tickets Available Now for Crusader Volleyball
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 Valparaiso volleyball home season at the Athletics-Recreation Center, starting this Friday with the Horizon League opener against Wright State at 7 p.m. Come see the Crusader squad that has started the season 10-1, matching the best start in program history, and has already won three tournament titles this year!
9/11/2010
Volleyball Wins 10th Straight Match, Third Straight Tournament
The Valparaiso volleyball team matched the best start in school history and became the first team in program history to win three straight in-season tournament titles, defeating host Bradley, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-13) Saturday evening to earn the CEFCU Classic championship. The win is the 10th straight triumph for the Crusaders as they prepare for the start of Horizon League play next weekend.
9/11/2010
Crusaders Continue Sweeping Ways in Three-Set Win Over Hofstra
Valparaiso extended its winning streak to nine straight matches Saturday morning, sweeping Hofstra (25-13, 25-14, 25-22) at the Bradley CEFCU Classic in Peoria, Ill. The win puts the Crusaders in position to earn their third consecutive in-season tournament title this evening when they take on the host Braves.
9/10/2010
Valpo Sweeps Presbyterian for Eighth Straight Win
Valparaiso made short work of Presbyterian College in the opener of the CEFCU Classic at Bradley Friday afternoon, sweeping the Blue Hose (25-18, 25-11, 25-17) in just over an hour. The win was the Crusaders' eighth straight victory and moved Valpo to 8-1 on the season, matching the second-best start in program history.
9/9/2010
Root Named ‘The People's Choice' on HLN
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named ‘The People's Choice' this week on the Horizon League Network, and is currently spotlighted in a video on the website via phone interview.
9/7/2010
Crusaders Win Seventh Straight With Sweep of Indiana State
Valparaiso won its seventh straight match and extended one of the best starts in program history with a sweep (25-12, 25-19, 25-20) of Indiana State Tuesday evening in Terre Haute, Ind.
9/6/2010
Four Matches Await Valpo Volleyball This Week
Valparaiso looks to extend to one of the best starts in program history with four matches this week. The Crusaders head to Terre Haute to take on Indiana State Tuesday before traveling to play in the Bradley Invitational, facing Presbyterian and Hofstra in addition to the host Braves in search of their third straight tournament title.
9/6/2010
Root Repeats as Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row and for the fourth time in her career after earning All-Tournament Team honors at the Appalachian Invitational last weekend.
9/4/2010
2 Weekends, 2 Titles: Valpo Wins Appalachian Invite
It was an uphill battle in both matches, but Valparaiso fought off four match points Saturday morning to defeat Eastern Kentucky, 3-2, before beating host Appalachian State Saturday evening, 3-1, to close out the Appalachian Invitational and win the tournament title. Tara Diebler (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) was named Tournament MVP, while Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) was also named to the All-Tournament team.
9/3/2010
Crusaders Win Fourth Straight, Down USC Upstate
Valparaiso opened its second weekend of play the same way it closed out the opening weekend, defeating USC Upstate 3-1 (25-12, 20-25, 25-11, 25-12) in the opener of the Appalachian Invitational in Boone, N.C. Friday afternoon for its fourth straight victory.
9/1/2010
Volleyball Heads to the Carolinas
Valparaiso continues its circuit of early-season tournaments this weekend at the Appalachian Invitational in Boone, N.C., taking on USC Upstate and Eastern Kentucky in addition to host Applachian State. The Crusaders are looking for their second tournament title of the season after capturing the La Salle Invitational last weekend.
8/30/2010
Root Named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week
Valparaiso sophomore libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the Horizon League's Defensive Player of the Week for the first weekend of competition after helping to lead the Crusaders to the La Salle Invitational title. The honor is Root's third career weekly accolade from the league office.
8/29/2010
Britton Tournament MVP, Pokorny All-Tournament at La Salle Invitational
Valparaiso junior outside hitter Katie Britton (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) was named the Tournament MVP of the La Salle Invitational after helping lead the Crusaders to the tournament title this past weekend. In addition, junior setter Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) joined Britton on the All-Tournament Team.
8/28/2010
Crusaders Earn La Salle Invitational Title With Pair of Wins
With a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20) win over Hartford and a 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20) victory over 2009 NCAA Tournament participant Niagara, the Valparaiso volleyball team earned the tournament championship at the La Salle Invitational in Philadelphia, Pa. Saturday.
8/27/2010
Crusaders Split Pair of Matches to Open 2010 Campaign
The Valparaiso volleyball team opened the 2010 season with a split of two matches on Friday in Philadelphia, Pa., defeating La Salle 3-1 (25-12, 20-25, 25-18, 25-16) to open the La Salle Invitational after falling to Virginia earlier in the day, 3-1 (24-26, 25-10, 25-14, 28-26). The win over La Salle marked the 250th victory in head coach Carin Avery's career.
8/25/2010
Volleyball Heads to Philly to Open Season
Valparaiso kicks off the 2010 volleyball campaign this weekend in Philadelphia, Pa. with four matches, taking on Virginia in a neutral-site match before competing in the La Salle Invitational.
8/23/2010
Crusader Volleyball Poised For Another Stellar Season in 2010
Having won 20 or more matches for eight straight years, a feat accomplished by just 13 programs nationwide, the Valparaiso volleyball program enters 2010 with the confidence that it will continue its run of success, as nine players, including five starters, return from last year's squad and are joined by a talented class of eight freshmen.
8/18/2010
Crusader Volleyball Picked Third in League Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso volleyball squad has been predicted to finish third in the Horizon League in 2010, as chosen by the league's nine head coaches. The Crusaders tallied 49 points, finishing just four points out of the second position.
5/25/2010
Crusaders Announce 2010 Volleyball Slate
Coming off of an eighth consecutive 20-win season, Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the Crusaders' schedule for the 2010 campaign.
5/5/2010
Edinger to Join Volleyball Coaching Staff for 2010 Season
Former Michigan City H.S. standout and University of Illinois all-time digs leader Ashley Edinger will join the Valparaiso volleyball staff next year as a graduate assistant, head coach Carin Avery announced today.
4/14/2010
Carin Avery Signs New Four-Year Contract
Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera is pleased to announce today that Carin Avery has signed a new four-year contract to continue as head coach of the Crusader volleyball program.
3/5/2010
Valpo Volleyball Announces Spring Schedule
Valparaiso head volleyball coach Carin Avery announced today her squad's spring 2010 schedule, which has the Crusaders playing on four dates in late March into April.
2/25/2010
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host a pair of 2010 summer camps this July at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The camp for youths in grades 5-8 will be held July 5-8, while grades 9-12 will attend camp July 8-11.
2/3/2010
Root Named CVU.com ‘Rising Star'
Valparaiso freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named one of the Collegiate Volleyball Update's (CVU.com) ‘Rising Stars', honoring 19 freshmen nationwide who stood out with their performance in their rookie season.
12/18/2009
Porché Receives Academic All-League Honor
Senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) is one of 14 student-athletes that has been named to the Horizon League Academic All-League Volleyball Team, making her second straight appearance on the team.
11/29/2009
Valpo Drops Season Finale to Western Michigan
Valparaiso dropped its season finale to Western Michigan Saturday evening, 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-15), in Kalamazoo, Mich.
11/23/2009
Porché Earns Third Team Academic All-American Accolades
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) has been named an ESPN the Magazine Third Team Academic All-American as chosen by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), released today. Porché was eligible for the honor after earning Academic All-District V First Team recognition earlier this month.
11/22/2009
Root Earns All-Tournament Team Accolade
Valparaiso freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) was selected to the 2009 Horizon League Championship All-Tournament Team, the league announced today.
11/21/2009
Valpo Falls to Milwaukee in Horizon League Semifinal
Milwaukee's defense forced Valparaiso into 30 hitting errors as the Crusaders fell in three sets to the Panthers (25-14, 26-24, 25-23) Saturday afternoon in Horizon League Championship semifinal action in Cleveland, Ohio.
11/19/2009
Valpo Heads to Horizon League Championship This Weekend
Valparaiso enters this weekend's Horizon League Championship as the tournament's second seed. The Crusaders will receive a bye into the semifinals and need to win just two matches to claim the tournament title and the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.
11/18/2009
Root Named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year; Joined by Bukowski, Porché on All-League Team
Valparaiso tied for league-high honors by placing three players on the Horizon League All-League Team, as the league announced its year-end awards on Wednesday. Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West), Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) and Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) all represented the Crusaders on the All-League squad, while Root also was named Newcomer of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Newcomer Team.
11/17/2009
Valpo Volleyball Bringing in Eight New Faces for 2010
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that eight newcomers will be joining the Crusader volleyball program as freshmen for the 2010 season, five of which were on the 2009 AVCA High School All-American Watch List entering their senior years.
11/15/2009
Valpo Second Seed as League Announces Tournament Seedings
Valparaiso has earned the second seed for the 2009 Horizon League Championship in Cleveland, Ohio and receives a bye into the tournament semifinals, as the league officially released the tournament pairings today.
11/14/2009
Valpo Wins at Green Bay; Clinches Second Seed for Horizon League Championship
Valparaiso combined big offensive nights from Tara Diebler and Angie Porché with a stellar team defensive effort on the back line to earn a 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23) victory at Green Bay in the regular season finale Saturday. The win secured the second spot in the league standings for the Crusaders and assured Valpo of a bye into the league championship semifinals.
11/13/2009
Valpo Falls at Milwaukee Friday Night
The Valparaiso volleyball team got out to a fast start Friday night in Milwaukee, Wis., taking the opening set, but Milwaukee won each of the final three frames for a 3-1 (17-25, 25-12, 25-19, 25-22) victory over the Crusaders.
11/12/2009
Bukowski Receives ‘The People's Choice' Honor
Valparaiso senior setter Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) has been named this week's recipient of ‘The People's Choice' honor on the Horizon League Network. Bukowski is currently spotlighted in the featured video on the HLN website via phone interview.
11/10/2009
Valpo Cruises to Sweep Over Chicago State
Each of the 13 available Crusader volleyball players saw action Tuesday night at the ARC, as Valparaiso swept Chicago State (25-12, 25-10, 25-19) in its final home match of the regular season.
11/10/2009
Bukowski Earns CVU Top Performer Recognition
Valparaiso senior setter Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) has been recognized by the Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) as one of its Top Performers last week after her performances in a pair of Crusader sweeps.
11/9/2009
Bukowski Earns Offensive Player of the Week Honors
Valparaiso senior setter Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) was honored by the Horizon League today as its Offensive Player of the Week after guiding the Crusaders to some gaudy offensive numbers in a pair of sweeps last weekend.
11/9/2009
Valpo Closes Out Home Slate; Travels in Search of Championship
One final home regular season match, a non-league meeting with Chicago State, leads the Valparaiso volleyball team into a weekend of action at Milwaukee and Green Bay. With a pair of victories this weekend, the Crusaders would win at least a share of the Horizon League regular season championship.
11/7/2009
Valpo Wins 20 for Eighth Straight Season; Sweeps Loyola on Senior Night
On Senior Night at the ARC, it was only fitting that Valparaiso volleyball seniors Haley Wise (Mishawaka, Ind./Mishawaka), Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) and Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./T.F. South) teamed up for the final point of a 3-0 (32-30, 25-14, 25-19) sweep of Loyola Saturday afternoon. The win was Valpo's 20th of the season, its eighth straight year with at least 20 wins.
11/6/2009
Valpo Rides Stellar Service Game to Victory
The night started out with a Crusader service ace, and by match's end Valparaiso had tallied 11 more aces as it dominated UIC in every statistical category en route to a 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-15) sweep Friday night in Horizon League action at the ARC.
11/5/2009
Porché Earns Academic All-District Honors for Second Straight Year
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) was named to the CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District V First Team for the second straight season, as announced by CoSIDA today. With the accolade, Porché is now eligible for Academic All-American consideration.
11/4/2009
Valpo Continues Four-Match Homestand This Weekend
Valparaiso starts down the home stretch of the regular season this weekend, as the Crusaders host UIC on Friday night before welcoming Loyola to the ARC on Senior Day Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders currently sit in second place in the Horizon League standings with just four matches to go in the league season.
10/31/2009
Valpo Wins Five-Set Thriller Over Oakland
In a Halloween-night special Friday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, Valparaiso gave its home fans a giant treat to take home, rallying from a two-set deficit for a 3-2 (24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 25-21, 15-6) victory over Oakland. Jenny Pokorny (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) picked up her first career triple-double in the win, while the Crusaders hit .306 as a team, their best effort in a five-set match since Halloween night 11 years ago.
10/30/2009
Valpo Falls in Four at Butler
Valparaiso was unable to slow down Butler's offensive attack on Friday evening, as the Crusaders fell 3-1 (25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-17) to the Bulldogs in Horizon League action in Indianapolis, Ind.
10/29/2009
Root Named ‘The People's Choice'
Valparaiso freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) became the first two-time recipient of ‘The People's Choice' honor on the Horizon League Network as announced by HLN this afternoon.
10/28/2009
Valpo Faces Pair of Matches This Weekend
Valparaiso concludes a four-match road trip with a key Horizon League showdown against third-place Butler before returning home to the ARC for the start of a four-match homestand against Oakland.
10/26/2009
Root Receives Second Horizon League Weekly Honor of Season
Valparaiso freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this year, the league office announced today.
10/24/2009
Valpo Rebounds With Sweep at Wright State
The Valparaiso volleyball team returned to its winning ways Saturday afternoon in Dayton, Ohio, sweeping Wright State (25-16, 25-23, 25-22) in Horizon League action.
10/23/2009
Valpo's Eight-Match Winning Streak Snapped at Cleveland State
The Valparaiso volleyball team saw its season-long eight-match win streak come to an end Friday evening at Cleveland State, as the Crusaders fell 3-1 (25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19) to the Vikings.
10/20/2009
Valpo Uses Late-Set Pushes to Sweep IUPUI
Valparaiso used late-set rallies in each of the final two sets Tuesday evening to sweep former Mid-Con rival IUPUI (25-21, 25-23, 26-24) in Indianapolis, Ind. for the Crusaders' eighth straight victory.
10/19/2009
Porché Earns Second Weekly League Accolade of Season
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) was named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after putting together a pair of standout offensive performances last week.
10/19/2009
Valpo Volleyball Plays Three on the Road This Week
Valparaiso hits the road for three matches this week looking to extend a season-best seven-match winning streak. The first-place Crusaders head to IUPUI for a non-league contest on Tuesday evening before traveling to Ohio to take on Cleveland State and Wright State this weekend in Horizon League matches.
10/16/2009
Valpo Downs YSU in Four to Win Seventh Straight
Valparaiso kicked off the second half of Horizon League play Friday evening at the ARC the same way it ended the first half of league competition, defeating Youngstown State 3-1 (25-22, 28-26, 19-25, 25-19) for its seventh straight victory overall and to keep pace atop the league standings at 8-1.
10/15/2009
Root Named ‘The People's Choice' on HLN
Crusader freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) has been named ‘The People's Choice' this week on the Horizon League Network, and is spotlighted in the featured video on the HLN website via phone interview.
10/14/2009
Offensive Onslaught Gives Valpo Sixth Straight Victory
Valparaiso hit at a .369 clip Wednesday evening, its second-best single-match performance of the season, as the Crusaders swept Indiana State (25-16, 25-23, 25-16) in non-league action at the Athletics-Recreation Center to extend their winning streak to six.
10/13/2009
Valpo Returns to the ARC For a Pair of Matches
Valparaiso puts a season-best five-match winning streak on the line this week, as the Crusaders return home for a pair of matches. Valpo will step out of league play for the first time in nearly a month to take on Indiana State before hosting Horizon League foe Youngstown State.
10/12/2009
Root Takes League Defensive Player of the Week Accolades
Freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week on Monday by the league office after helping Valparaiso to a 4-0 week on the court, including a record-breaking performance against Green Bay.
10/11/2009
Valpo Sweeps UIC to Pick Up Fifth Straight Win
Valparaiso closed out the first half of Horizon League play in sweeping fashion, downing UIC 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-19) Sunday afternoon in Chicago, Ill. The win, Valpo's season-best fifth victory in a row, keeps the Crusaders tied atop the league standings at 7-1.
10/10/2009
Crusaders Remain in First Place With Four-Set Win over Loyola
The Valparaiso volleyball team remained atop the league standings Saturday, winning its 20th straight match in the Chicago city limits as the Crusaders defeated Loyola 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22) in afternoon Horizon League action.
10/7/2009
Valpo Volleyball Nips Milwaukee in Tight Battle
In a nip-and-tuck battle at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Wednesday evening, Valparaiso came out on the winning end over preseason Horizon League favorite Milwaukee, 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-22, 27-29, 15-12) to remain in a tie for first place in the league.
10/6/2009
Root Breaks School Record as Valpo Sweeps Green Bay
Freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) broke the program record for digs in a three-set match, picking up 31 digs Tuesday night as Valparaiso swept Green Bay (26-24, 29-27, 25-22) in Horizon League action at the ARC.
10/5/2009
Busy Week Awaits Crusader Volleyball
The script gets flipped this week for the Valparaiso volleyball team, as following its lightest week of the season, the Crusaders have four Horizon League matches in front of them in a six-day span. Valpo will host Green Bay and Milwaukee in mid-week action before traveling to Loyola and UIC this weekend.
10/2/2009
Valpo Sweeps Butler; Moves Into Tie for First
Valparaiso won the key points at the end of all three sets Friday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, enabling the Crusaders to sweep Butler (25-21, 25-20, 25-23) to move into a tie for first place in the Horizon League standings.
9/30/2009
Valpo Volleyball to Host Butler on 'Blackout Night' at the ARC
It is a brief but important week for the Valparaiso volleyball team, as the Crusaders host in-state rival Butler on Friday evening. The matchup against the Bulldogs, which enter the week as the Horizon League's only undefeated squad in league play, has been designated as Blackout Night at the ARC, with all fans encouraged to wear black to support the Crusaders.
9/26/2009
Crusaders Fall to Cleveland State
Valparaiso was unable to slow down the Cleveland State attack in action Saturday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center, as the visiting Vikings came away with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-17) victory over the Crusaders.
9/25/2009
Crusaders Ride Rally to Five-Set Victory in Home Opener
Trailing two sets to one and down 22-17 in the fourth frame, Valparaiso turned the tide of the match quickly, reeling off seven straight points to spur a 3-2 (21-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-23, 15-11) victory over Wright State Friday in the Crusaders' home opener at the ARC.
9/24/2009
Porché Earns Inaugural HLN ‘The People's Choice' Honor
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) has been named the inaugural recipient of ‘The People's Choice' honor on the Horizon League Network, and is currently highlighted in the featured video on HLN via phone interview.
9/22/2009
Crusader Volleyball Opens Home Campaign With Two Matches
After four weekends on the road in Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Valparaiso finally opens the 2009 home campaign at the ARC this weekend with matches against Horizon League foes Wright State (Friday) and Cleveland State (Saturday). Prior to Saturday's match, the Crusader parents will be hosting a free cookout in between the ARC and the Fitness Center at 5 p.m.
9/21/2009
Porché Earns League Player of the Week Honors
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) has been named the Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week for her performance last weekend, the league announced today.
9/20/2009
Porché Earns All-Tournament Accolades at Pitt
Valparaiso senior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) represented the Crusaders on the Pitt Blue and Gold Tournament All-Tournament Team, as announced Sunday evening by the host Panthers.
9/19/2009
Crusaders Split Two Matches at Pitt Saturday
Valparaiso played a pair of matches Saturday at the Pitt Blue and Gold Tournament on Saturday, sweeping Maryland-Eastern Shore (25-12, 25-20, 25-20) before falling to the host Panthers, 3-1 (19-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23).
9/18/2009
Crusaders Open League Play With Sweep at Youngstown State
Valparaiso opened the 2009 Horizon League campaign on Friday evening in Youngstown, Ohio the same way it closed the league slate last year, sweeping the Penguins of Youngstown State (25-21, 25-19, 25-15).
9/16/2009
Valpo Set to Kick Off League Play, Play in Final Regular-Season Tournament
The Valparaiso volleyball team kicks off Horizon League play on Friday evening with a match at Youngstown State, and then continues further east on Saturday, playing in the Pitt Blue and Gold Tournament against Maryland Eastern Shore, as well as the host Panthers.
9/12/2009
Crusaders Rally, Fall in Five to Salukis
Valparaiso fought back from a two sets to none deficit Saturday evening against host Southern Illinois in the championship match at the Saluki Invitational, but could not complete the comeback, as Southern Illinois earned the 3-2 (25-9, 25-19, 18-25, 20-25, 15-8) victory. Amy Groesbeck (Wheaton, Ill./North) and Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.
9/12/2009
Crusaders Record Third Straight Sweep in Victory over UAB
Valparaiso registered its third consecutive sweep Saturday morning in action at the Saluki Invitational in Carbondale, Ill., sweeping Conference USA foe and 2008 NCAA Tournament second round participant UAB (25-19, 26-24, 25-20) to put the Crusaders in position to claim the tournament crown later tonight against host Southern Illinois.
9/11/2009
Crusaders Sweep Murray State in Opener of Saluki Invitational
Valparaiso began play Friday afternoon at the Saluki Invitational on a high note, rolling over its momentum from last weekend in a 3-0 sweep (25-14, 25-16, 25-17) of Murray State in Carbondale, Ill.
9/9/2009
Valpo Volleyball Launches New Blog
Follow the Valparaiso volleyball program through its newly released team blog. Check back frequently for the latest thoughts from head coach Carin Avery as well as junior Katie Layman and sophomore Katie Britton. They will give you a behind the scenes look into the program as the Crusaders take aim at the Horizon League Championship!
9/9/2009
Crusaders Continue Pre-League Play at Southern Illinois
Valparaiso concludes pre-league competition this weekend in a challenging tournament field at Southern Illinois' Saluki Invitational, facing Murray State and UAB in addition to the host Salukis.
9/5/2009
Britton, Root Named to All-Tournament Team at Drake
Sophomore Katie Britton (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) and freshman Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) represented Valparaiso on the Hampton Inn Drake Invitational All-Tournament Team, as announced at the conclusion of the tournament Saturday night.
9/5/2009
Crusaders Close With Pair of Wins at Drake Invitational
Valparaiso rallied from a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 (22-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 15-12) victory over South Dakota at the Hampton Inn Drake Invitational in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday morning. The Crusaders then carried that momentum into their afternoon match, closing the tournament with a 3-1 record after a 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-17) sweep of Centenary.
9/4/2009
Crusaders Split Pair of Matches at Hampton Inn Drake Invitational
Valparaiso earned its first victory of the season Friday afternoon in action at the Hampton Inn Drake Invitational, defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16), but the host Bulldogs swept the Crusaders in the day's nightcap (25-22, 25-21, 25-12).
9/2/2009
Crusaders Head to Drake for Four Matches
Valparaiso continues pre-league play this weekend with a quartet of matches at the Hampton Inn Drake Invitational in Des Moines, Iowa. The Crusaders will face off against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, South Dakota and Centenary in addition to the host Bulldogs.
8/29/2009
Crusaders Rally Back, Fall to UNLV in Four
Valparaiso stared down a seven-point deficit in the third set Saturday afternoon and rallied for the set victory, but it would not be enough, as UNLV eventually downed the Crusaders in four sets (25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19) in Valpo's final match at the Campus USA Credit Union Invite in Gainesville, Fla. Freshman libero Taylor Root (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) was awarded All-Tournament honors after picking up 32 digs and seven assists over the two matches.
8/28/2009
Crusaders Hang Tough, Fall in Three in Opener
Valparaiso hung tough against Big 12 foe Colorado Friday afternoon in action at the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational in Gainesville, Fla., earning ties or leads late in all three frames, but the Buffaloes eventually earned the 3-0 (31-29, 25-23, 25-21) victory over the Crusaders.
8/26/2009
Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Season in Florida
Valparaiso kicks off the 2009 campaign this weekend in Gainesville, Fla. with a pair of matches at Florida's Campus USA Credit Union Invite. The Crusaders will take on Colorado at 4 p.m. CDT on Friday afternoon before facing off against UNLV at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, one-half hour earlier than the original scheduled start time.
8/24/2009
Crusader Volleyball Looks for Eighth Straight 20-Win Season in 2009
The Valparaiso volleyball program's reign of excellence rolled right along in 2008, as the Crusaders won 25 matches and finished in second place in the Horizon League in their second league season. Entering the 2009 campaign, there is no reason to believe another stellar season isn't in the cards, as the Crusaders bring back ten returnees in the fight to earn their first Horizon League crown.
8/18/2009
Crusader Volleyball Picked Second in League Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso volleyball squad has been predicted to finish second in the Horizon League in 2009, as chosen by the league's nine head coaches. The Crusaders tallied 58 points and received two first-place votes.
8/12/2009
Malicoat Finishes Career 11th in NCAA History in Digs
Former Valparaiso volleyball standout Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) closed out her stellar Crusader career ranked 11th in NCAA history in career digs, according to the organization's 2009 Volleyball Records Book released this week.
7/24/2009
Crusaders Earn Sixth Consecutive AVCA Academic Award
The Valparaiso University volleyball program received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2008-09 school year, it was announced Friday. This marks the sixth straight year that the Crusaders have received the honor from the AVCA.
5/29/2009
Valparaiso Announces 2009 Volleyball Slate
Coming off of a seventh straight 20-win campaign, Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the squad's schedule for the 2009 campaign, which features 11 matches at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
5/29/2009
Valparaiso Announces 2009 Volleyball Slate
Coming off of a seventh straight 20-win campaign, Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today the squad's schedule for the 2009 campaign, which features 11 matches at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
5/1/2009
Porché One of Ten Female Finalists for 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award
Valparaiso outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) has been named one of ten female finalists nationwide, representing the sport of volleyball, for the 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, as announced by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. Both the female and male winners will be announced and profiled in its May 28, 2009 edition.
5/1/2009
Porché One of Ten Female Finalists for 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award
Valparaiso outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) has been named one of ten female finalists nationwide, representing the sport of volleyball, for the 2009 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award, as announced by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. Both the female and male winners will be announced and profiled in its May 28, 2009 edition.
4/16/2009
Cromwell Joins Crusader Volleyball as Assistant Coach
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Craig Cromwell has been hired as an assistant coach for the Crusader program. Cromwell comes to Valpo from Chesterton H.S., where he served as an assistant coach for the last four years.
4/16/2009
Cromwell Joins Crusader Volleyball as Assistant Coach
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Craig Cromwell has been hired as an assistant coach for the Crusader program. Cromwell comes to Valpo from Chesterton H.S., where he served as an assistant coach for the last four years.
3/19/2009
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host their 2009 summer camp for youths in grades 6-12 at the Athletics-Recreation Center from July 6-9.
3/19/2009
Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp
Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host their 2009 summer camp for youths in grades 6-12 at the Athletics-Recreation Center from July 6-9.
3/6/2009
Incoming Freshman Root Named High School All-American
Valparaiso volleyball commit Taylor Root has been named a PrepVolleyball.com High School All-American, one of just 150 players nationwide, as well as one of just three liberos, to receive the honor.
2/18/2009
Volleyball Standout Cyndi (Norman) Kiper to be Inducted into Valpo's Hall of Fame on February 28
The leader of Valparaiso University's volleyball team for the first few years of the 21st century, Cyndi (Norman) Kiper ranks among the best setters ever to play for the Crusaders and, on February 28, she will be inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame.
12/17/2008
Malicoat, Porché Receive Honorable Mention All-American Accolades
Senior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) and junior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) both received AVCA Honorable Mention All-American accolades today after being named to the All-Midwest Region squad last week. Porché has now earned Honorable Mention notice the last two seasons, while this marked Malicoat's first honor.
12/15/2008
Trio of Crusaders Earn Academic All-League Honors
Senior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial), junior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) and senior middle hitter Allison Sears (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) have all been named to the 11-player Horizon League volleyball Academic All-League team.
12/10/2008
Malicoat, Porché, Bukowski Earn AVCA Regional Honors
Crusader junior outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Midwest Region honors for the second consecutive year, while senior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) received All-Region accolades for the first time as the AVCA announced its All-Region squads Wednesday. In addition, junior setter Kim Bukowski (Waukesha, Wis./West) was named an Honorable Mention All-Region recipient.
