Five NCAA Opponents Highlight 2017 Volleyball Schedule

Aleksandra Kazala and Loren McKenzie will lead the Eagles onto the court on Aug. 25.

WASHINGTON – Five opponents that reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago, highlight the 2017 American University volleyball schedule, announced Wednesday.

The list includes a Bender Blue Out date with Washington State on Aug. 27, at which AU will again try to break the D.C. single-game volleyball attendance record.
 
The Cougars made it to the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, joining Michigan State and Florida as new Eagle opponents to advance that far last year. AU will face the Spartans and Gators on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Active Ankle Challenge at Florida.
 
American's non-conference schedule also includes postseason teams in Howard (away Aug. 26 and home Sept. 16) and Princeton (home Sept. 15).
 
"We're always excited for the opportunity to see our players compete against some of the best teams in the nation," said AU head coach Barry Goldberg. "It's good to see be able to remember what it's like to have played some of these teams if we get to the NCAAs."
 
The Eagles host the first two matches of the season-opening D.C. Volleyball Classic on Friday, Aug. 25, with Howard playing Georgetown at 5 p.m. and Santa Clara facing the Eagles afterwards. The action shifts to Howard the next day.
 
The American Volleyball Classic will be Sept. 15 and 16, with Princeton, Iowa and Howard playing in the round-robin format.
 
American opens defense of its Patriot League title on Sept. 22 against Loyola Maryland. A rematch with PL finalist Colgate is on Nov. 10 and the Eagles' Senior Day is Nov. 12 against Bucknell.
 
The Patriot League Tournament, including the top four teams in the regular season, will be Nov. 18 and 19 at the site of the regular-season champion. The tournament champion receives the Patriot League's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Tickets for all AU Eagles volleyball matches are available at www.aueagles.com/tickets.