June 29, 2006

The 2006 Wayne State University volleyball schedule will be one of the toughest in recent history with 10 matches against NCAA tournament qualifiers on the docket. The Warriors compiled a 16-10 mark in 2005 and placed fourth in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) South Division with an 8-9 record.

"The schedule this year is as demanding as ever," stated head coach Ernie Gilbert, who enters his third year at the helm of the Warrior volleyball program.

The GLIAC will again be extremely competitive for the 17 league matches as five of the eight NCAA regional squads in 2005 were from the GLIAC.

"The GLIAC is still regarded as the most competitive DII volleyball league in the country," added Gilbert. "All in all we have our hands full."

Following a season-opening match at Madonna on August 24, WSU will participate in the TownePlace Suites Classic in Findlay, Ohio, on September 1-2.

"The match with Madonna on Thursday, August 24 is the most difficult opening match we have had in three seasons," commented Gilbert.

"It (the schedule) will be more difficult than last year as entry in the Findlay Invitational is a tough tourney. Our team will need to come together in a quick fashion to approach the success we enjoyed last year."

Walsh University, an NAIA school in North Canton, Ohio, is Wayne State's opponent in the first round of the Findlay tournament. The Cavaliers return first team American Mideast Conference South Team performer Jamie Herr plus middleblocker Erica Parker who was named the AMC South Division Freshman of the Year. WU compiled a 21-14 record in 2005.

The Warriors other match on the opening day of the tournament is against California (Pa.). The Vulcans advanced to the NCAA tournament a year ago and return Allison Liptak, a 2005 AVCA Atlantic Regional volleyball team selection.

Edinboro University, a day two opponent, had a 26-16 mark in 2005 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, while WSU's first opponent on September 2, Lock Haven, advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals last year and finished with a 33-6 record.

WSU begins the league portion of its schedule with three consecutive road matches against South Division foes. The home opener is slated for Friday, Sept. 15 against Mercyhurst. After a home match the following day versus Gannon, the Warriors hit the road for two league matches before beginning a stretch of six home matches out of eight contests. Wayne State concludes the regular season with a pair of South Division road matches the last weekend in October.

Wayne State plays at defending national champion Grand Valley State on October 6, and at regional semifinalist Northwood on September 23.

The Warriors will face regional qualifiers Ferris State (October 7 in Big Rapids), Ashland (September 9 in Ashland and October 13 at Matthaei) and Hillsdale (September 5 in Hillsdale and October 20 at Matthaei).