JOLIET, Ill.- Rocky Volleyball will continue its preseason schedule in Joliet, Illinois, starting Friday afternoon. 

Last Time Out

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The Battlin' Bears took two of their three matches in straight sets last weekend at the Big Sky Challenge, defeating Doane University and Bushnell University. Their third and final match was against No. 2 ranked Northwestern College (Iowa), which they dropped in a competitive three sets. 

Although under the leadership of a new coach, the Battlin' Bears box scores looked similar to a year ago, with their returning All-Frontier Conference members leading the charge. Reigning Frontier Conference Defender of the Year, Brooke Ark averaged 8.56 digs per set, the highest rate in the NAIA over the opening weekend. Two-time Frontier Conference Setter of the Year Blythe Sealey racked up 79 total assists, while 2023 First Team All-Conference outside hitter Makenna Bushman led the way with 26 kills. 

Scouting the Big Dogs Classic

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This weekend will be against many new faces, as the Battlin' Bears have only two total matchups since 2010 against any of their four opponents. They took on the host school, the University of St. Francis, a season ago at the Viterbo Tournament, which Rocky won in three sets. Their only other matchup was with Saint Xavier University, which the Battlin' Bears defeated in three sets in 2019. 

Games will be streamed on the University of St. Francis YouTube channel.