VOLLEYBALL: Ferris Opens Season With A Homecoming-Of-Sorts Match

BIG RAPIDS - There will be many familiar faces Thursday evening when Ferris State University opens its volleyball season at home in Ewigleben Sports Arena against St. Joseph's (Ind.).

The Bulldogs will be hosting the Pumas in a 7 p.m. contest to serve up the start of the 2009 campaign. In that match, Ferris head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm (pictured right) will be coaching against two of her former players in St. Joseph's head coach Jill Schopieray and her assistant coach Sarah Dehring.

Following the season opener, both teams will take place in the Ferris State Invitational throughout the Ewigleben Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday.

Last season, the Pumas finished 14-16 overall and 7-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

A year ago, the Bulldogs compiled a record of 16-13 overall and 8-8 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

For information about the Ferris State Invitational visit the official Web site: http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wvball/2009-10/releases/2009_Ferris_State_Invitational