PEORIA, Ill. -- The start of the 2013-14 school year might still be a few weeks away, but the 2013 Bradley Volleyball team reported to campus Friday and held its first practice of the year Saturday at Renaissance Coliseum.
Third-year head coach Jenny Maurer welcomes four freshmen to a roster which features five returning starters and 11 of 13 letterwinners from 2012. Helping highlight an experienced group is the senior trio of Amy Angelos (Waukegan, Ill./Waukegan), Alise Tupuritis (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West) and Lauren Zerante (Elmhurst, Ill./York).
Angelos is just the eighth player in school history with 800 career kills before the start of their senior season and will open the year 21st in school history in kills. Tupuritis paced the Braves in kills last year, averaging 2.83 per set, and needs just two kills to give Bradley two players with 700 or more career kills on the same squad for the first time since 2005.
Zerante helped anchor Bradley's defensive efforts last year, taking over at libero in 2012 and recorded the fourth highest season dig total (498) in school history. She opens the year 24th in school history with 800 career digs and is the 10th individual in program history to reach 800 digs as a junior.
Bradley will open the 2013 season at home, welcoming Western Illinois, Tennessee-Martin and Maryland-Eastern Shore to Renaissance Coliseum for the CEFCU Classic Aug. 30 & 31. The Braves will face Western Illinois Friday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. in addition to taking on Maryland-Eastern Shore Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and wrapping up the first weekend of the season against UT-Martin Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
2013 Bradley Volleyball promotions
Aug. 31 vs. Tennessee-Martin (7:30 p.m.) - Back 2 School Night/Camper Reunion Night
The first 200 kids (ages 14 and under) receive a set of Bradley temporary tattoos. Volleyball camp attendees from 2013 will be invited to join the team on the floor during the national anthem and the Braves will sign autographs following the match.
Sept. 22 vs. Drake (2 p.m.) - Little Braves Club Day
Little Braves Club members will receive a tour of Renaissance Coliseum prior to Bradley's only home match in the month of September. In addition, members will be able to make posters and have their faces painted in the Braves Fun Zone. After the match, Little Braves Club members can join the team for a post-game clinic.
Oct. 5 vs. Illinois State (7 p.m.) - The Rivalry
The first matchup of the I-74 rivalry with Illinois State of the 2013-14 school year will feature a special promotion for Bradley students. The Bradley University dorm floor which boasts the most attendees will win a pizza party for up to 50 individuals. In addition, the Bradley University Greek organization which has the highest attendance will receive a donation from athletics toward their cause and the opportunity to have the Bradley volleyball team appear at a philanthropic event (subject to availability and approval). Red Sea members will receive two road trip points for attending the match.
Oct. 12 vs. Loyola (7 p.m.) - Girl Scout Night/High School and Middle School Team Night/Park District Team Night
Coach Maurer will conduct a pre-game “chalk time” open to all fans. Teams interested in attending should reserve their spot by submitting a group ticket form. Girl Scout troops who RSVP in advance will have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive Bradley Athletics and Bradley Volleyball patch in addition to receiving a tour of Renaissance Coliseum.
Oct. 25 vs. Evansville (7 p.m.) - Pink Game
Breast cancer survivors will receive free admission as part of Bradley Volleyball's annual pink game to help promote breast cancer awareness. All fans wearing pink to the game will be able to purchase tickets at the group rate.
