GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) – As Green Bay prepares for its return to the court following one of the most prolific seasons in program history, head coach Abbey Sutherland has released her team's schedule for the upcoming 2019 campaign. The Phoenix, crowned the Horizon League's regular season and tournament champion in 2018, will face three programs who appeared in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

GB will host the inaugural Green Bay Invite within the friendly confines of the Kress Center, welcoming four teams with opening matches taking place on August 30. Northeastern, Ohio, Fresno State and Indiana State will all make the trek to Green Bay for the invitational.

"We had tremendous attendance by the end of season last year, and our goal is to continue to build upon that this season," said Sutherland. "Our young women work really hard on and off the court, and they deserve to play in front of a big crowd in the Kress Center. Our team, administration, and support staff are willing to put in the work to make our volleyball matches an incredible experience, and I'm grateful for their vision. I highly encourage the community to come and watch these athletic, gritty young women in person. I am proud of them, and I know that the fans will feel the same way."

The team will play in early season tournaments at Pittsburgh (Sept. 6-7), at North Dakota State (Sept. 13-14), and at Marquette (Sept. 20-21) before opening Horizon League play.

"Our non-conference schedule is incredibly difficult, but this is what we want and need. We believe that we are capable of competing with these teams, and we will take every match and moment as learning opportunities. We will have many new faces in the lineup, and it will take time to find our identity," said Sutherland. "Our team message is clear and consistent: continue to develop team chemistry, stay positive and together in tough times, and rumble with vulnerability."

GB will play an exhibition match at home against Loyola on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Kress Center. Admission will be free and will offer fans a first look at the 2019 squad before the season's official action tips off.

The team will play 29 total matches throughout the 2019 season, with 12 of those scheduled at the Kress Center. The 2019 Horizon League Championship will be held at the site of the No. 1 seed and will take place on Nov. 22-24.

"Horizon League play poses new challenges this season. We know that every team will play their best match against us, and we will train to be prepared for that. I believe that the HL will be even better in 2019," said Sutherland. "We will feel the pressure to repeat at times, but as their leader, my goal is to show them that they are MORE than volleyball. The person is greater than the player, and it's all about having the right perspective as we chase our goals."

A full promotional schedule including ticket specials, concession specials and other Green Bay volleyball special events will be released later this summer. Fans can purchase volleyball season tickets for $40, which guarantees a spot in the middle sections of the lower bowl at the Kress Center for all home games. To purchase season tickets, call 920-465-2625 or email Molly Christel at christmo@uwgb.edu for more information.

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