Milwaukee City Wire

Susie Johnson has announced the 2025 schedule for the Milwaukee volleyball team. The lineup includes seven opponents that participated in postseason play in 2024, with four teams reaching the NCAA Championship.

The season starts with matches against Omaha on August 29 and 30. Last year, Omaha reached the Summit League semifinals and advanced to the 'Super 16' of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).

After Nebraska, Milwaukee will debut at home during the Panther Invitational at Klotsche Center. They will face Iowa State on September 5, Central Michigan on September 6, and South Alabama on September 7.

Milwaukee will compete against Wisconsin on September 9 at UW Field House. Wisconsin reached the Elite Eight last season with a total of 26 wins.

Next is the Marquette Tournament from September 12-14 at Al McGuire Center, where Milwaukee will play James Madison, Ball State, and host Marquette. Marquette made it to the Sweet 16 in last year's NCAA Championship.

On September 17, DePaul visits Klotsche Center. DePaul finished their previous season with a third-round appearance in NIVC and secured 21 victories.

Non-conference play concludes with matches against Grand Canyon and Pepperdine from September 19-21 at Arizona State. Arizona State ended last season as Big 12 champions.

"When you look at the schedule as a whole, it looks really tough," stated Johnson. "We know our team will be challenged and pushed in conference play."

Horizon League games start late September with Oakland visiting on September 26-27 followed by Green Bay on September 30. Other home matches include Northern Kentucky (October 10-11), Purdue Fort Wayne (October 31-November1), and Robert Morris (November7-8).

Away games are scheduled against IU Indy (October3-4), Wright State (October17-18), Youngstown State (October24-25), ending with Cleveland State (November14-15).

"There was a lot of turnover across the league," said Johnson about league changes due to graduating seniors. "The Horizon League feels wide open this year."

Wright State played in NIVC last year while Cleveland State won the Horizon League title.

The Horizon League Championship is set for November21-23 hosted by the top seed; winners gain an automatic entry into December's NCAA Division I Championship.