This weekend the Panther women’s volleyball team was scheduled to play at home in Lantz Arena against Southern Illinois- Edwardsville; however, the match has been canceled due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with the arena.

The conflict arose with the Capital Campaign Kickoff the preceding evening, according to Rich Moser, Associate Athletic Director/Media and Public Relations.

Moser said that they were unable to ensure that the arena would be ready in time for team practice and warm ups that night after the kick off, and as a result they had to cancel the volleyball match.

Capital Campaign Kickoff is an event to raise funds for the University, focusing on four main areas including: student support, program support, capital support, and faculty support, according to Bob Martin, Vice President of University Advancement.

The event is intended to raise funds and build lasting relationships with alumni and friends of the university, Martin said, as well as gaining volunteer support to raise funds.

This was not originally seen as a conflict, Moser said, but eventually things got to the point where the readiness of the gym for the match could not be guaranteed.

Campus scheduling tried to work out an alternate date with the two schools, Moser said, but they were unable to find a date that both programs were comfortable with.

Martin said that the athletic department, especially Athletic Director Barbara Burke, have been extremely helpful in making sure that they have Lantz Arena ready for the event.

Panther head coach Kate Price said that the sudden free day in the schedule will be beneficial to the team.

“It takes away from one of our home matches,” Price said. “But at the same time, I think it will be a good break for the girls.”

Price also mentioned that due to this conflict and cancellation the team will be able to experience homecoming for the first time in a while.

“They’ll be able to enjoy homecoming,” Price said. “I don’t think any of the seniors have (been able to experience homecoming) so far.”

Brad Kupiec can be reached at 581-7944 or bmkupiec@eiu.edu.

Junior setter Chrissie Albers serves the ball during a game against Tennessee Tech Oct. 9 at Lantz Arena. (Jordan Boner

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