Crusaders Release 2008 Volleyball Schedule

Six 20-win teams from a season ago highlight the 2008 Valparaiso volleyball schedule as released today by Crusader head coach Carin Avery.

Crusader Volleyball Squad to Host Team Camp

The Valparaiso volleyball program will be hosting a team camp at the Athletics-Recreation Center on July 19-20.

Taylor Named Crusader Assistant Coach

Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Shawn Taylor has been hired as an assistant coach for the Crusader program.

Avery Signs Four-Year Contract

Valparaiso Athletics Director Mark LaBarbera announced today that Crusader head volleyball coach Carin Avery has signed a new four-year contract.

Crusader Volleyball Team to Host Summer Camp

Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball team will host their 2008 summer camp for youths in grades 6-12 at the Athletics-Recreation Center from July 7-10.

Porché Named AVCA Honorable Mention All-American

Sophomore outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) received American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) honorable mention All-American accolades today, becoming the first Crusader to ever earn national recognition from the AVCA.  Porché was eligible for All-American consideration after making program history last week by being the first Valpo player to earn All-Region honors.

Hughes Receives Horizon League All-Academic Notice

Crusader senior setter Sara Hughes (San Antonio, Texas/Perrysburg [Ohio] H.S.) has been named to the 12-member Academic All-Horizon League Volleyball Team, as selected by the league’s faculty athletic representatives and sports information directors.

Porché Earns AVCA All-Region Honor

Sophomore outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) became the first player in the history of Valparaiso’s volleyball program to earn American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region honors, as she was named to the 12-player Midwest Region team announced today by the AVCA.

Crusaders Drop Season Finale at IPFW

Valparaiso closed out the 2007 campaign Saturday evening at IPFW, falling to the Mastodons, 3-1 (30-19, 30-14, 25-30, 30-21).

Crusader Volleyball Adds Three Players for 2008 Season

Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Katie Britton, Amy Groesbeck and Jenny Pokorny will join the Crusader program as freshmen for the 2008 season.

Crusaders Fall in Horizon League Championship

Valparaiso’s bid for the Horizon League championship in its first season of league play came up one match short, as the Crusaders fell to the second-seeded Vikings of Cleveland State, 3-1 (30-27, 28-30, 30-27, 30-23), Sunday afternoon in the championship match in Milwaukee, Wis.

Crusaders Down Top Seed Milwaukee; Advance to Horizon League Championship

Valparaiso put together one of its most impressive performances of the season Saturday afternoon in the Horizon League Championship semifinals against top-seeded Milwaukee, defeating the host Panthers 3-1 (30-25, 30-17, 22-30, 30-26) to move on to the championship match Sunday at noon against Cleveland State.

Two Record-Breaking Nights Lead Valpo to Victory; Porch�, Malicoat Break Single-Season Marks

Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) ended the match with her 537^th kill of the season, setting a new Valpo single-season record, while Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) broke her own single-season record for digs late in game three as Valparaiso swept Butler (30-28, 30-25, 30-25) in the quarterfinals of the Horizon League Championship in Milwaukee, Wis. Friday afternoon.  The win was Valpo’s 20^th of the season, marking the sixth consecutive year that the Crusaders have reached the milestone.

Malicoat Named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year; Porché joins Malicoat on All-League Team

Valparaiso junior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) was named the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Year this evening, while sophomore outside hitter Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) joined Malicoat on the 12-member All-League team.

Crusaders Travel to Milwaukee for Horizon League Championship

The Valparaiso volleyball team heads into postseason play for the first time as a Horizon League institution, traveling to Milwaukee for the 2007 Horizon League Volleyball Championship.  The Crusaders, who are the fourth seed, will kick off the championship Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. with a quarterfinal matchup against fifth-seeded Butler.

Malicoat Earns Third Horizon League Honor of Season

Junior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) was named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week today after leading the Crusaders on the back line during two wins last weekend.  Malicoat has received the honor three times this season, the most by any league player.

Valpo to Face Butler in First Round of Horizon Championship

Valparaiso has received the fourth seed for the upcoming 2007 Horizon League Volleyball Championship and will face Butler in quarterfinal action on Friday, November 16 at 5 p.m. at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

Crusaders Close Out Horizon League Slate with Win

Faced with a one-game deficit Saturday afternoon in Chicago, Ill, the Valparaiso volleyball team regrouped and stormed back, handily winning the next three games to earn a 3-1 (30-32, 30-23, 30-24, 30-22) victory over UIC.  The win gives the Crusaders a share of third place in their first season of Horizon League play, and is also the 200^th victory as a head coach for Carin Avery.

Crusaders Prevail in Five at Loyola

A hard-fought match was decided in the early stages of game five Friday night in Chicago, Ill., as Valparaiso jumped out to a 6-0 advantage in the deciding game and cruised from there, defeating Loyola 3-2 (30-27, 21-30, 30-26, 26-30, 15-9).

Crusaders Complete Horizon League Slate This Weekend

Valparaiso closes out its inaugural season of Horizon League play this weekend with matches at Loyola on Friday and UIC on Saturday.  The Crusaders are looking to secure the fourth seed for the Horizon League Championship, to be contested at Milwaukee next weekend.

Valpo Falls at Cleveland State

A dominant win in game three was not enough for Valparaiso Saturday afternoon, as the Crusaders dropped a 3-1 (30-25, 30-25, 16-30, 30-22) decision at Cleveland State.

Crusaders Fall in Five at Youngstown State

Valparaiso rallied back from one-game deficits twice Friday night at Youngstown State, but the Penguins took game five to defeat the Crusaders 3-2 (30-26, 23-30, 33-31, 18-30, 16-14).

Volleyball Travels to Youngstown State, Cleveland State

Valparaiso begins its season-ending road trip this week as the Crusaders travel to Ohio to take on Youngstown State and Cleveland State.  Valpo begins the weekend tied for third in the league standings.

Crusaders Close Out Home Season with Sweep of Green Bay

Valparaiso used a suffocating defensive effort, along with efficient offensive play, to give the senior class of Sara Hughes (San Antonio, Texas/Perrysburg [Ohio] H.S.), Tiffany Meikle (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) and Nicole Schulz (Kewaskum, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) one last victory at the Athletics-Recreation Center, as the Crusaders swept Green Bay, 30-15, 30-28, 30-22 on Saturday evening.

Crusaders Fall in Tough Five-Game Match to League Leader

Valparaiso led league leader Milwaukee two games to none Friday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but the Panthers earned the 3-2 (27-30, 24-30, 30-23, 30-24, 15-8) come-from-behind victory over the Crusaders.

Crusaders Close Out Home Campaign This Weekend

Valparaiso closes out the 2007 home schedule this weekend with two key Horizon League matches at the Athletics-Recreation Center.  The Crusaders will take on Milwaukee on Friday and Green Bay on Saturday with both matches starting at 7 p.m.  Valpo seniors Sara Hughes, Tiffany Meikle and Nicole Schulz will be honored prior to the Green Bay match.

Malicoat Receives Second League Accolade of Season

Junior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) has been named the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Week after averaging an astounding 8.14 digs per game last weekend.

Crusaders Fall in Three to Wright State

Valparaiso found itself on the wrong end of a three-game sweep at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon, as Wright State came in and defeated the Crusaders, 30-24, 30-27, 30-26.

Crusaders Tame Bulldogs in Four

Valparaiso used a standout defensive effort on the back line, picking up a season-best 96 digs, to kick off the second half of the Horizon League slate Friday night with a victory at the Athletics-Recreation Center over Butler, 3-1 (30-19, 30-26, 19-30, 30-22).

Crusaders Host Two Key League Matches This Weekend

Valparaiso kicks off its final homestand of the season this weekend, taking on Butler Friday night and Wright State Saturday evening in Horizon League action.

Undermanned Crusaders Defeat IUPUI

Despite entering the match with a depleted front line, Valparaiso earned a 3-1 (30-25, 30-25, 24-30, 30-28) victory over IUPUI in Indianapolis Friday night.

Crusaders Drop Hard-Fought Match to Milwaukee

Valparaiso took game three in extra points at league leader Milwaukee Sunday afternoon and sent game four into extra points, but could not prevail, as the Panthers earned a 3-1 (30-18, 30-21, 33-35, 31-29) victory over the Crusaders.

Crusaders Bounce Back; Defeat Green Bay in Four

Valparaiso snapped its two-match losing streak Saturday afternoon in Green Bay, Wis., rallying for a 3-1 (22-30, 30-25, 30-23, 30-24) victory over the Phoenix.

Crusaders Drop Five-Game Match to Penguins

Valparaiso fought back from a two games to one deficit to force a fifth game Wednesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but Youngstown State eventually prevailed 3-2 (30-22, 19-30, 30-11, 27-30, 15-12).

Crusaders Fall to Cleveland State

Valparaiso and Cleveland State were tied at one game apiece after two games, but the Vikings took the next two to earn the 3-1 (30-16, 21-30, 30-26, 30-25) victory over the Crusaders Tuesday evening at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

Crusaders Put First Place on the Line in Midweek League Matches

Alone in first place in the Horizon League, Valparaiso puts its undefeated League record on the line in mid-week matches at the Athletics-Recreation Center against Cleveland State and Youngstown State.

Crusaders Win In Four at Butler

For the second time in less than 24 hours, Valparaiso earned a hard-fought road victory in Horizon League play, defeating Butler 3-1 (30-20, 16-30, 30-27, 30-27) Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis, Ind.  With the victory, the Crusaders find themselves alone in first place in the League standings.

Crusaders Rally for 3-2 Victory at Wright State

Valparaiso had its back up against the wall down two games to one at Wright State Friday night in its first taste of Horizon League road action, but the Crusaders showed their resilience, rebounding in the final two games to earn a 3-2 (25-30, 30-28, 28-30, 30-25, 15-9) victory over the Raiders.

Crusaders Sweep Braves; Move to 11-3

Playing its final home non-conference match of the season, Valparaiso took care of business Tuesday night against Missouri Valley foe Bradley, downing the Braves in three straight games, 30-17, 30-22, 30-19.

Hughes Earns U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete Recognition

Horizon League Commissioner Jonathan LeCrone announced today that Valparaiso senior Sara Hughes (San Antonio, Texas/Perrysburg [Ohio] H.S.) has been named the female recipient of the U.S. Army Horizon League Scholar-Athlete of the Week award.

Crusaders Close Out Homestand; Hit Road for Horizon League Action

Valparaiso (10-3, 2-0 Horizon) closes out a three-match homestand on Tuesday night as the Crusaders host Missouri Valley foe Bradley in non-conference action.  The Brown and Gold then hit the road for its first taste of Horizon League road volleyball, heading to Wright State on Friday and Butler on Saturday.

Valpo Sweeps Loyola; Moves to 2-0 in Horizon

Coming off of a hard-fought five-game victory on Friday night, Valparaiso found the going significantly easier on Saturday afternoon against Loyola at the Athletics-Recreation Center, sweeping the Ramblers 30-24, 30-22, 30-28 to move to 2-0 in Horizon League play.

Crusaders Receive Record-Setting Performance from Schulz; Defeat UIC in Horizon Opener

On a night in which multiple Horizon League dignitaries, including Commissioner Jonathan LeCrone, were in attendance for Valparaiso’s first-ever home League contest in any sport, Nicole Schulz (Kewaskum, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) made some history of her own, setting a school record for hitting percentage in a five-game match and leading the Crusaders to a come-from-behind 3-2 (30-24, 22-30, 25-30, 30-22, 15-7) victory over UIC.

Crusader Volleyball Matches to be Video Streamed; 2003 Crusader Team to be Honored

Valparaiso volleyball fans will now be able to watch the Crusaders play live on the Internet, as it was announced today that all eight of Valpo’s home Horizon League matches will be videocast live on the Horizon League Network, starting with tonight’s 7 p.m. match against UIC.  Also, prior to tomorrow’s match against Loyola, Carin Avery and the Crusader volleyball program will be recognizing the 2003 Valparaiso team, the first team in program history to advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Crusader Volleyball to Kick Off Horizon League Play

Valparaiso kicks off Horizon League play this weekend as the Crusaders host UIC and Loyola (Chicago) at the Athletics-Recreation Center.  The match against the Flames marks the first-ever home Horizon League contest by a Crusader team in any sport.

Sears Named Horizon League Player of the Week

The Horizon League announced today that junior Allison Sears (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) has been named its Offensive Player of the Week after earning All-Tournament honors last weekend at the Bowling Green Best Western Invitational.

Crusaders Split Two Matches to Close Bowling Green Invite

Valparaiso closed out play at the Bowling Green Best Western Invitational with a second-place finish Saturday, defeating DePaul in the opener 30-15, 30-22, 30-16, before falling in the nightcap to the host Falcons 18-30, 28-30, 30-28, 30-23, 15-10.  Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) and Allison Sears (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) represented the Crusaders on the All-Tournament Team.

Crusaders Hammer Dukes at Bowling Green Invite

Valparaiso put together one of the most impressive offensive displays in school history Friday afternoon, hitting at a .426 clip for the match, propelling itself to a sweep of Duquesne (30-17, 30-15, 30-20) in the Crusaders’ first match at the Bowling Green Best Western Invitational.

Crusaders To Play at Bowling Green This Weekend

Valpo Closes Out Popcorn Classic with Sweep of WMU; Porch�, Sears Named to All-Tournament Team

Crusaders Fall to Indiana in Popcorn Classic

Crusaders Down Marshall in Opener of Popcorn Classic

Valparaiso found itself down one game Thursday night to Marshall in the opener of the 2007 Popcorn Classic at the Athletics-Recreation Center, but bounced back, winning three straight games to earn a 3-1 victory (32-34, 30-25, 30-24, 30-15).

Tailgate to Be Held Before Saturday Volleyball Match

The Crusader volleyball program will be sponsoring a tailgate party, featuring free food, live music and a raffle, outside the main entrance of the Athletics-Recreation Center from 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 prior to the final match of the Popcorn Classic against Western Michigan.

Crusaders Set to Host Popcorn Classic

The Valparaiso volleyball team opens its home schedule this week as it hosts the Popcorn Classic.  The Crusaders will take on Marshall on Thursday, Indiana on Friday and Western Michigan on Saturday, with all matches beginning at 7 p.m.

Malicoat Receives Horizon League Weekly Accolade

The Horizon League announced today that junior libero Brittany Malicoat (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) has been named its Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending September 2.  Malicoat becomes the first Crusader in any sport to earn Horizon League weekly honors.

Meyer Earns All-Tournament Recognition

Valparaiso right side hitter Jill Meyer (Crystal Lake, Ill./South) has been selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Western New York Invitational after helping Valpo to a 3-0 record in tournament play last weekend.

Crusaders Take Final Two Matches at Western New York Invitational

Valparaiso closed out play Saturday at the Western New York Invitational with two victories.  The Crusaders earned a tight five-game win (30-32, 30-27, 30-26, 22-30, 15-13) over Binghamton in the morning before cruising to a sweep (30-13, 30-14, 30-16) against St. Francis (N.Y.) in the afternoon.

Crusaders Sweep Buffalo; Move to 2-1

Valparaiso held Buffalo to a .033 hitting percentage on its way to a three-game sweep (30-26, 30-19, 30-17) in Buffalo, N.Y. Friday night.

Crusaders Continue Tournament Play in Western New York

The Valparaiso volleyball team continues early season action this weekend at the Western New York Invitational.  The Crusaders play at Buffalo Friday night before taking on Binghamton and Saint Francis (N.Y.) in neutral-site matches on Saturday.

Valpo Drops Match at Illinois State

Valparaiso’s bid to claim the 2007 Redbird Classic came up short Saturday night, as the hosts from Illinois State downed the Crusaders 3-0 (31-29, 30-18, 30-23).

Valpo Kicks Off Season With Victory

Valparaiso kicked off the 2007 volleyball season the same way that it ended the 2006 season, with a 3-1 victory over Miami (Ohio) Friday night, 30-28, 23-30, 30-27, 30-25.  The match was the first of two the Crusaders will play at the Redbird Classic in Normal, Ill.

Crusaders Kick Off Season at Redbird Classic

The Valparaiso volleyball team begins its first season as members of the Horizon League this weekend, traveling to Illinois State to take part in the Redbird Classic.  Head coach Carin Avery is looking to lead the Crusaders to a sixth consecutive 20-win season.

Crusaders Look to Continue Reign of Excellence

2006 looked on the surface like it would be a rebuilding year for the Valparaiso volleyball program.  But the Crusaders showed that they have expunged the word “rebuild” from their vocabulary in favor of “reload,” winning 23 matches and setting school records for kills, assists and hitting percentage.  Now, with most of the vital parts back from last year’s squad, Valpo looks to capture Horizon League gold in its first season as a league member.

Crusaders Tabbed Third in Preseason Poll

 The Valparaiso volleyball squad has been predicted to finish third in its first season of Horizon League play as chosen by the league’s nine head coaches.  The Crusaders tallied 50 points and received two first-place votes.

Crusaders Earn Fourth Consecutive AVCA Academic Award

For the fourth consecutive season, the Valparaiso University volleyball team received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2006-07 school year.