The Basics: SIUE volleyball returns to First Community Arena for the first time this season for the two-day Cougar Classic. The Cougars will open the weekend with Idaho on Friday (6:00 PM) before taking on Milwaukee (1:00 PM) and Western Illinois (6:00 PM) on Saturday.

Home Openers: SIUE will play its first game inside First Community Arena on Friday. SIUE is 14-12 all-time in home openers.

OVCit: SIUE will play its first conference matchup of the season on Saturday vs. Western Illinois. The contest will mark Western Illinois' first OVC contest since joining the league.

Owning the Net: SIUE leads the Ohio Valley Conference and ranks 72nd in the NCAA with 53 total blocks this season. The Cougars also lead the conference in blocks per set at 2.21. Priscilla Jones leads the squad with 19 total blocks this season.

Serving Up Aces: The Cougars rank second in the league with 34 service aces, averaging 1.42 per set. Julia Treichel leads the team with 10, good for fourth in the league.

Dig It: Freshman Abi Banitt ranks fifth in the OVC with 76 digs. Last weekend vs. Western Michigan, she recorded a season-high 24 digs.

On the Attack: Treichel leads SIUE with 49 kills on 138 total attacks this season. Chelsey Abel leads the squad with a .267 attack percentage.

At Center Court: Alyse Drifka leads the Cougars' setting efforts this season with 106 assists, averaging 4.42 per set. Corinna Jones ranks second on the team with 78.

Preseason Honors: Junior outside hitter Sydney Hummert picked up Preseason All-OVC honors on Aug. 16 following her 2022 season where she led the Cougars with 318 kills. Her 2.72 kills per set also led SIUE while ranking 10th in the conference. She added 266 digs and 27 service aces, both good for second on SIUE, while recording 38 total blocks.
 

Parking Information: Parking is free for the tournament and available in lot A.

Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEVolleyball on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.