AZUSA, Calif.-- The 2005 Azusa Pacific volleyball schedule has been released.

The schedule features 30 regular-season matches, 20 GSAC matches and 10 non-conference matches. The Cougars open the season Aug. 26-27, making their annual trek to the Sunbird Invitational on the campus of Fresno Pacific in Fresno, Calif. It is the fourth time in the past 5 years the Cougars will participate in the Invitational.

While in Fresno, the Cougars will meet NAIA Region II foes Notre Dame de Namur and defending CalPac champion Menlo. They will conclude their 4-game tournament docket against Savannah College of Art & Design (Ga.), which advanced to the NAIA Tournament last year.

From there, the Cougars travel even further north to play in the Concordia-Portland (Ore.) Tournament Sept. 2-3 for the first time. There, the Cougars play NAIA-power Georgetown (Ky.), which is coming off a NAIA Quarterfinal appearance last year as well as perennial NAIA-tournament participant Lubbock Christian (Texas).

The Cougars began action in the NAIA toughest conference, the GSAC, Sept. 6 when they travel to El Cajon to face San Diego Christian, formerly known as Christian Heritage College. Azusa Pacific’s home opener is Sept. 8 against Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) in a non-conference match. The Cougars’ GSAC home opener is Saturday, Sept. 10 against Point Loma Nazarene.

Defending NAIA champion California Baptist makes its lone visit to the Canyon City Thursday, Oct. 6. NAIA Runner-Up Concordia visits Saturday, Nov. 5. Last season, 3 GSAC teams—Fresno Pacific (1), California Baptist (5) and Concordia (8)—were ranked in the top 10, while another (Biola at No. 18) was in the top 20. Point Loma Nazarene joined Fresno Pacific, California Baptist and Concordia at the NAIA Tournament, while those 3 teams advanced out of pool play at into the quarterfinals, culminating in the Lancers their first national title.

Midway through the GSAC slate, the Cougars take a quick break to host NCAA Division III-power and local rival La Verne (Oct. 13). The Leopards advanced to the 2004 NCAA Division III semifinals, earning a third place finish.

Azusa Pacific finished 20-13 last year, advancing to the NAIA Region II Playoffs. The Cougars were finished 11-9 in GSAC action. Just 5 players return from last year’s squad, including senior All-GSAC middles Jenny Brickner and Chelsea Morgan. Keife has already announced the signing of 8 freshmen for the 2005 campaign.

To view the 2005 volleyball schedule, click here.