Elon Phoenix Voleyball Travels South for Kennesaw State Tournament

ELON, N.C. – After opening the season with its home tournament, the Elon volleyball team (1-2) goes on the road for the first time for the Kennesaw State Owls Invitational to face the host Owls (3-1), No. 7 Purdue (3-0) and UNC Asheville (0-3) in Kennesaw, Ga., on Sept. 5-6.

Looking Back
Elon opened the season with a 1-2 record in the Elon Phoenix Classic, defeating San Jose State, 3-1, but falling to Maryland, 3-1, and Liberty, 3-0. Ally Karle helped the Phoenix to a strong defensive effort in the tournament as the maroon and gold out-block each opponent and led the way with 1.45 blocks/set. Sydney Busa made an impressive collegiate debut with a double-double against Maryland after 10 kills and 10 digs. The rookie recorded double-digit kills in all three matches to finish the tournament with 31 kills.

Kennesaw State Owls Invitational
While the series with UNC Asheville dates back to 1978, this weekend will mark the first meetings against both KSU and Purdue. The Bulldogs and the Phoenix last played in the Gamecock Invitational in Columbia, S.C., in 2011 with UNCA winning, 3-0. Elon’s match against Purdue will mark its first match against a ranked opponent in the Division I era, as well as its second match against a Big Ten team in as many weeks.

Head Coach Mary Tendler
Elon head coach Mary Tendler is in her 12th season with the Phoenix program. She enters this weekend’s tournament with a 186-177 Elon and career record.

Looking Ahead
After the tournament in Georgia, the Phoenix returns home to Alumni Gym for a mid-week match against local rival High Point on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.