Jayhawks Open Season With Saturday Exhibition

Aug. 17, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The 2005 University of Kansas volleyball team opens another exciting home schedule Saturday, Aug. 20, with an exhibition match against Jayhawk Alumni at 7 p.m. Admission is free and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The Jayhawks, who are coming off their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance, will host 16 home matches at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center this year. KU returns nine letterwinners, including five starters from the 2004 squad, and opens regular-season play Friday, Aug. 26, against Alabama in the State Farm Classic in Lawrence.

Led by seniors Josi Lima, Paula Caten and Andi Rozum, KU received 40 points in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll released Aug. 8. Nebraska was the preseason favorite with 35 of 60 first-place votes while Texas was ranked 11th, Texas A&M 16th and Missouri 21st. Kansas State (123) and Colorado (22) also received points in the poll.

KU finished the 2004 season 19-12 overall and 9-11 in league play and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks were ranked as high as 21st nationally and received votes in the USA Today/CSTV Coaches’ Poll for eight weeks in 2004.

Match promotions for the 2005 volleyball season include giveaways such as KU T-shirts, pom poms, rally towels, water bottles and foam noodles, as well as other prizes and contests during the events. KU’s home season will close on Nov. 23 as fans bid farewell to three talented Jayhawks on Senior Night.

2005 Volleyball Promotional Schedule