Last season the NMU volleyball team ended the season 20-12 overall and 13-5 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Of the ‘Cats’ 12 losses, four came in the first four games of the season, when the ‘Cats began 0-4.

In order for the Wildcats to be stronger off the bat this coming fall, head coach Dominic Yoder said his team will compete in three tournaments and one home game during a scheduled spring season.

“I think it is going to help us when we get to August,” Yoder said. “I also think just playing the best possible competition will help us to be more successful in the GLIAC.”

NMU will travel to Minnesota-Duluth for an April 12 match, Eastern Michigan University for April 5 and University of Michigan for March 29.

In the month-long stint, NMU will have the opportunity to face D-I schools including U of M, Purdue, Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan.

Yoder said playing the top competition in the nation will be a learning experience and hopefully the ‘Cats will gain from it.

“If you play well, that helps build your confidence. But then if you fail, you’re going to have to learn from those failures,” he said. “But, that is important for us to be pushed to that level.”

After the three tournaments, NMU will return home and play a match against Lake Superior State in the Vandament Arena on April 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the match cost $5 and can be purchased through the Athletic Department or from any current NMU volleyball player. Admission may also be paid at the door. There are also prizes that will be given away to fans during the game.

The LSSU game will be a fundraiser for the team. All proceeds will go toward next season.

“We are using it as an opportunity as a fundraiser but also to give the community a chance to see volleyball in the spring,” Yoder said.

After the spring season the team breaks for the summer. The fall season starts on Aug. 26.