ELON, N.C. – After going 1-2 last weekend in the 2007 Phoenix Classic, the Elon volleyball team will head to Chicago, Ill., Friday and Saturday to participate in the Illinois-Chicago Invitational.

The trip will serve as a homecoming for senior setter Natalie Moore who hails from Loves Park, Ill. 

“I am so excited [to go back to Chicago],” said Moore, “because I am the last of the seniors to have a homecoming trip for volleyball.  Last year we went to Towson for Britany [Westphal], and my sophomore year we went to Ohio for [Emily] Lucci and now it’s my turn.  I’m excited for my family to be there and not have to worry about traveling too far to see me play.”

The Phoenix will face McNeese State on Friday night at 5:30 p.m. (Eastern), with matches against North Dakota State (noon) and host, Illinois-Chicago (8 p.m.) on Saturday.

Moore has been a strong presence on the court for the Phoenix throughout her career.  She has etched her place into the Elon record books as the current leader for assists in a match with 68 (vs. Chattanooga – Oct. 9, 2004) and holds third place for career assists with 2,421 and counting.

The senior was drawn to Elon because of the camaraderie amongst the teammates.

“I love the team here – it changes so much from year to year, even though we only lose a couple of girls [to graduation],” she said.  “The thing I liked most about Elon when I was out on recruiting trips was that the teammates actually liked each other and were friends.  When I came on my trip to Elon, all of the girls hung out together.  Even now, on our days off, we spend time together.”

The Rockford Lutheran High School graduate had no fears about attending college so far from home.

“When I first decided that I wanted to play volleyball in college, I knew I wanted to go far from home, and my parents didn’t have a problem with that,” added Moore.  “No matter where I wanted to go, they would have supported me.  I looked at a couple of schools around home, but I wanted a change and [Elon] was exactly what I wanted.” 

The Phoenix will face tough competition in the tournament as it looks to improve on its 4-2 record.  Fans can follow live stats of this weekend’s matches by visiting here.