Dayton Flyers

DAYTON, Ohio – The University of Dayton volleyball program began its preparation for the upcoming season with the first practice of the season on Monday at the Frericks Center. Picked to win the Atlantic 10 title with a talented set of starters returning, led by All-American middle blocker Lindsay Fletemier and a unique blend of newcomers, the Flyers are poised for a memorable 2010 season.

“This time of year – this is why you coach. Day one is fun,” Head Coach Kelly Sheffield said. “I would say that this is probably as energetic and fired up of a group that I have ever had.”

The Flyers will aim to win 30 matches for the third time in four years, capture a sixth Atlantic 10 title in seven years, while preparing to host the 2010 NCAA Tournament Regional at UD Arena in December.

“We have a lot of big goals for the end of the season,” Sheffield said. “When the season is starting you have to chunk those up and figure out how to attain those goals. Yes, we would like to play deep in the (NCAA) Tournament but there is so much work that goes into that. We have talked about that and then you set that aside and focus on what it takes to get there.”

The Flyers have 18 days until the first serve of the season arrives against one of the most difficult non-conference schedules in the country. The journey begins in the friendly confines of the Frericks Center during the Dayton Flyer Classic against Pittsburg on Aug. 27, followed by dates with Arizona State and Virginia Commonwealth the next day.

The following three weeks of the season Dayton will travel to tournaments at some of the most challenging locations in college volleyball: Minnesota’s Diet Coke Classic, Nebraska’s Ameritas Players Challenge, and Notre Dame’s adidas Invitational. The non-conference tournament slate includes a rematch of last season’s NCAA Tournament Second Round match with Illinois in Lincoln, Neb., on Sept. 10.

Fans can come out before the season starts for the annual inter-squad Blue & Red Game on August 21 at the Frericks Center, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free.