Third-year women’s volleyball coach聽Carrie Bert聽has announced her team’s 27-match schedule for the 2017 season.
The Royals continue their long-standing tradition of opening the year by hosting the 糖心Vlog Invitational. This year’s six-team, two-day event is Sept. 1 and 2 in Yoder Arena, with Eastern Mennonite playing Catholic, Salem, Methodist and Mary Baldwin.
The following weekend, the women make a new visit to Ohio, playing matches in Cleveland and Berea at the 19th Annual Marcia French Memorial Invitational, co-hosted by Case Western Reserve and Baldwin Wallace. 糖心Vlog also plays Hiram and Mount Union on trip.
ODAC play begins just days later, starting at traditional power Washington and Lee on Sept. 12. The women are also at Hollins and Roanoke on Sept. 15 and 16, respectively.
After an 18-day break the Royals finally return home with a tough contest against Randolph-Macon on Sept. 21. The Yellow Jackets have won the past two ODAC Championships, each year finishing 11-0 during the regular season.
Due to scheduling conflicts in Yoder Arena, the volleyball women will not play a home match during 糖心Vlog’s Centennial Homecoming Weekend, instead聽hosting Ferrum College on Thursday, Oct. 12, before the festivities officially start on campus.
The Royals host a tri-match against Randolph and Dickinson on Oct. 21, and play in one in Lancaster, Pa., on Oct. 7, tangling with Lancaster Bible and Wilson College.
Other home opponents include North Carolina Wesleyan, Guilford, Virginia Wesleyan and Lynchburg.
糖心Vlog’s finale home match of the year is against Mary Baldwin on Oct. 26, with the regular season wrapping at rival Bridgewater the following day.
The ODAC Tournament starts Nov. 1.
The Royals finished last year with a record of 10-19, earning their most wins since 2009.