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DePaul Challenge Brings in Clemson, Loyola-Chicago, and Western Illinois
The DePaul volleyball team welcomes Clemson, Loyola-Chicago, and Western Illinois to McGrath Arena, for the DePaul Challenge beginning at 5 p.m. (CST) on Fri., Sept. 4. The Challenge marks the first of two tournaments the Blue Demons host this season

CHICAGO - The DePaul volleyball team welcomes Clemson, Loyola-Chicago, and Western Illinois to McGrath Arena, for the DePaul Challenge beginning at 5 p.m. (CST) on Fri., Sept. 4.  The Challenge marks the first of two tournaments the Blue Demons host this season.

DePaul opens the weekend on Friday against Western Illinois (1-4) at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday sees the Blue Demons square of with Loyola-Chicago (1-3) at 12:30 p.m.  The DePaul Challenge concludes with a 7:30 p.m. match against Clemson (2-1).

In addition to the three Blue Demon matches, the Tigers and the Ramblers get things started on Friday at 5 p.m., while Clemson and Western Illinois open action on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.  The Leathernecks return to the court at 5 p.m. to face Loyola-Chicago.

The Blue Demons (2-1) enter this weekend after taking second place at the Radisson-UCF Invitational in Orlando, Fla.  DePaul was led by Sarah Cullen's 48 kills, and Kate Letcher's impressive .391 (37-10-69) attack percentage.  Both students-athletes were named to the all-tournament team. 

The Blue Demon freshman made an impressive showing as well in their first collegiate matches.  Chandler Carney terminated the ball on 22 occasions, ranking third in kills on the team, in addition to her six service aces.  Rachel Aumann boasted a team-best .395 (20-5-38) clip, while Chelsea Thurlby led the DePaul with 36 digs.  Sammy Geiger managed the offense with 118 assists.

Visit the DePaul Challenge Tournament Central for live stats, video, box scores and recaps.

DePaul vs. Western Illinois
Friday's match is the 18th meeting between the Blue Demons and the Leathernecks dating back to 1982.  The teams last met in 2007 when DePaul suffered a 3-2 loss.  Western Illinois leads the all-time series, 9-8.  The Leathernecks are coming off of their first win of the season against SIU-Edwardsville after opening the year 0-4 at the Northern Illinois Invitational.

DePaul vs. Loyola-Chicago
The cross-town rivals square off for the 34th time in program history.  The last time the squads faced each other was in 2008 at the Chicagoland Classic when the Ramblers escaped with a narrow 3-2 win.  Loyola-Chicago leads the all-time series, 24-9.  The Ramblers forced five games in Tuesday's loss to Illinois State.  Prior to that, the team tallied a 1-2 record at the Loyola Invitational.

DePaul vs. Clemson
The Blue Demons have only faced the Tigers on three occasions in program history, and haven't seen each other on the court since 1996.  Clemson has won all three matches.  After losing its season opener to South Carolina, 3-2, the Tigers rallied back for two consecutive wins against Winthrop and the College of Charleston.