MACOMB, IL - The Western Illinois volleyball team is beginning its regular season schedule this weekend at the Mizzou Invitational, with games against Missouri, Towson, and Idaho on August 28th, 29th, and 30th respectively.

The Leathernecks are finished with their preseason schedule after an exhibition match against Quincy on August 22nd. They also had an exhibition match against Valparaiso on August 14th, which was their first of the season. Although Western Illinois was not able to come out on top in either of the two matches, the team was able to see what lineups clicked the best together and prepare for the beginning of the season versus some very quality opponents.

The Leathernecks head into the first match of the season against Missouri on August 28th at 11 AM. Coming into the match down 9-5 in the series, with two straight losses for the Leathernecks, the team is hoping to turn the tide and defeat the Tigers for the first time since 1991. These teams have only met once before in the 21st century, with Missouri getting a 3-0 win on September 20th, 2025. 

The second match of the weekend is against Towson on August 29th, at 11 AM, which is a team Western Illinois has never faced before. Last season, the Tigers went 21-7, making it to the CAA tournament, before losing to Stony Brook. The Leathernecks are hoping to win the first matchup between the schools in their history, and are hoping that playing tough competition like the Tigers can help the team improve and play better together.

To close out the weekend, the Leathernecks will have a match against Idaho on August 30th, at 11:30 AM. The Vandals had a record of 6-22 last season, and are looking to have a bounce back year to try and compete in the Big Sky. Western Illinois and Idaho have played once in the schools' history, with Western getting a 3-1 victory on September 9th, 2023.The Leathernecks are hoping to have a great weekend to start the season, and build momentum heading into Coach Mari Silva's first season.

All Games involving Missouri will be streamed on SEC Network

 

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS

For all the latest information on Leatherneck men's soccer, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X, Instagram and Facebook.