Kevin Jenison
GoSycamores.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. ? The Indiana State University volleyball team finished off their pre-season workouts with one of their most competitive practices in the early going on Monday, the team taking a break on Tuesday before returning to the court on Wednesday to prepare for the upcoming season.

“It was our most competitive practice that we have had,” Traci Dahl, first year Indiana State volleyball coach said. “They all worked hard and competed at the level that I am looking for. We still have a lot of work to do but I am pleased with the progress so far.”

Fans will be able to get a sneak peak at this year's Sycamore volleyball team on Saturday when the Sycamores take on a group of Indiana State alumni in the annual Alumni Game set for 2 p.m. Saturday in the ISU Arena.

Former Indiana State volleyball coach Jim Bertoli will return to the ISU Arena in a coaching capacity as he will coach the Sycamore Alumni against the current Indiana State team in the annual Blue-White Scrimmage. Bertoli coached the Indiana State Sycamores from 1997 to 2003, posting a 77-109 record. Most of the returning alumni played for Bertoli.

Eight former Sycamores have agreed to come back and play against the 2008 team including Amy Wright (1993-1994), Kristin Widmar (2001-2004), Kylee Osborne (2000-2003), Tessa Wolf (2002-2005), Sarah Smith (2002-2005), Kerri Byrum (2002-2004), Kelly Spisak (2001-2004), Katie Freeman (2002-2005) and Bethany Ullig (2001-2004).

The Sycamores will officially open their season at the Morehead State University tournament August 29-30. Indiana State will take on host Morehead State at 11 a.m. on August 29 and then play Lipscomb at 4:30 p.m. Their tournament action wraps on Aug. 30 in an 11:30 a.m. match against Western Illinois.

The weekend action will conclude the night of Aug. 30 as the Sycamores visit Cardinal Arena in Louisville for a 7 p.m. game against the Cardinals.