Coach Kniffin Video | See and Sync the Schedule | Printable Schedule | Ticket Information

IRVINE, Calif. -- After an injury-plagued 2016 season, UC Irvine looks to get back to its traditional winning ways in 2017. In its final season as a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation member, UCI will play conventional opponents with a mix of non-conference foes.

"I like our schedule a lot," head coach David Kniffin said. "It's valuable to play early non-conference opponents to see where we are then we'll go on the road in the middle of the season to test that identity. I like that we were able to schedule in a break this year in March to gear up for the stretch run."

The Anteaters non-conference schedule begins at home against Fort Wayne (Jan. 3) and Grand Canyon (Jan. 6) to start the season.

After road matches to UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and UC San Diego in January, UCI will host Hawaii on Jan. 21 in its lone match in Irvine.

February will prove to be a challenge as UCI hosts USC (Feb.3), Long Beach State (Feb. 10), UCLA (Feb. 24) and UC Santa Barbara (Feb. 25).

The entire month of March will be spent on the road, including a trip to St. Francis on March 8. The Red Flash lost to George Mason in the EIVA championship match. The Anteaters will then visit the site of the 2017 national championship when they play in St. John's Arena. They face Ball State on Mar. 10 then battle defending national champion Ohio State on Mar. 11.

"A chance to play Midwest opponents is always an opportunity we embrace. The fact that we get to play the defending national champions on the court that is hosting the national championship is exciting."

The last time UCI played at St. John's Arena they captured the NCAA Championship in 2007.

UCI closes out the regular season hosting Stanford (Apr. 7) and Pepperdine (Apr. 8) at the Bren Events Center.

Bolstered by a senior-laden squad, Kniffin feels the experience and maturity of this team will carry them far.

"There is a sense of urgency when you have seniors. Other teams may also have talent and experience, but with potentially five seniors on the court, no one else will be operating with the same sense of urgency."

Topping the list of returners is outside hitter Tamir Hershko who only played in 41 sets last season due to an injury. The first team All-American topped the team in kills per set with a 3.71 kill average and was named to the All-MPSF honorable mention squad in 2016.

"Tamir is hungry to get back in action this year," Kniffin commented. "He is one of the best outside hitters in the country. Since he is an opposite by trade he has a diversity of shot selection that other players don't have."

Michael Saeta transitioned from setting duties to the opposite position last season and flourished with a 1.97 kill average. The second team All-MPSF honoree led the MPSF with a 0.52 aces average and ranked third nationally.

"I'm not sure where Michael will be playing, but if he's healthy he will be on the court. He is a key component for us."

Middle blocker Andrew Benz, outside hitter Thomas Hodges and libero Dillon Hoffman round out the senior class.

The junior class of Reid Dominquez, David Parker, Tucker Pikula and Ben Sebastian are poised to battle for playing time. 

The list of newcomers is highlighted by 7-0 middle blocker Scott Stadick. Stadick, a native of Watertown, Wisc., was tabbed the No. 1 recruit in the country by VolleyballMag.com as well as a Fab 50 selection.

"At minimum, I suspect Scott will lead the nation in intimidation blocks. He has the potential to impact hitters psychologically and affect their shots." Kniffin ended.

"As usual, we don't match-up guy for guy with some of the other top teams, but collectively we should be a force. I think that is the foundation that UCI volleyball has been forged on and has been successful with."

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