Tournament Central

INDIANAPOLIS – Following a one-year break, the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational returns this weekend when the IUPUI volleyball team welcomes West Virginia, Eastern Michigan and Charlotte to The Jungle for the two-day event.
 
The tournament begins on Friday, Sept. 4, at 4:30 p.m. when West Virginia squares off against Eastern Michigan. The nightcap features the Jags against the 49ers. Saturday's action features four matches beginning with West Virginia against Charlotte at 10 a.m., before IUPUI and Eastern Michigan meet at 12:30 p.m. to close out the morning session. The third and final session pits Charlotte against Eastern Michigan at 4 p.m. and the Jags against the Mountaineers at 6:30 p.m.
 
Both Charlotte and Eastern Michigan have 2-1 records after the opening weekend of action, while West Virginia is 1-2 and IUPUI is 2-2 following an impressive three-set sweep over Ball State in its home opener on Wednesday evening.
 
"It's great to have this event back this year. This year's tournament is filled with some great teams and great players, and it should be some exciting volleyball," head coach Steve Payne said.
 
Defense was the difference in the Jags most recent win against the Cardinals as IUPUI put up 11 blocks and 52 digs in the three-set victory. The Jags enter the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational as the best blocking team statistically at 2.69 bps, while Eastern Michigan is averaging a tournament-best 21.2 dps through three matches.
 
Kaitlyn Hickey and Eastern Michigan's Stacey Perinar are Top two attackers in the field at 5.00 kps and 4.90 kps, respectively.
 
IUPUI is 0-3 against the tournament field with a pair of losses all-time against Eastern Michigan and one loss against the Mountaineers. The Jags and 49ers will be meeting for the first time on Friday.
 
Fans should note that on Saturday, the Indy Eleven will be playing at Carroll Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and parking at the IUPUI Sports Garage will cost $10 beginning at 4:30 p.m.