Popcorn Classic Elon vs. Loyola Elon vs. Valparaiso Elon vs. Kennesaw State Elon vs. Savannah State Date/Time (EST) Sept. 11 | 11 a.m. Sept. 11 | 8 p.m. Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. Sept. 12 | 5:30 p.m. Location Valparaiso, Ind. Facility ARC Live Stats Elon vs. Loyola Elon vs. Valpo Elon vs. Kennesaw State Elon vs. Savannah State Live Video Elon vs. Valpo Twitter Updates @elonscores

ELON, N.C. – After four straight home matches, the Elon volleyball team (2-6) heads back out on the road this weekend for the Popcorn Classic in Valparaiso, Ind. The Phoenix plays Loyola (4-2) and host Valpo (6-0) on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, before taking on Kennesaw State (6-0) and Savannah State (0-8) on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. All times eastern.

A Look at the Phoenix
Elon is coming off a 3-0 victory over Davidson on Tuesday at home in Alumni Gym. The Phoenix saw three players record double-doubles on the night, including Sydney Busa posting a match-high 11 kills and finishing with 11 digs. Megan Gravley recorded 10 kills and 11 digs to go along with three aces, while Sydel Curry earned 29 assists and a career-high 13 digs. On defense, Ally Karle recorded a new career-high 10 blocks to average an impressive 3.3 blocks per set as Elon out-blocked Davidson, 13-6. Maddie Jaudon posted a new three-set career high with 14 digs in the match.
 
Elon vs. Loyola
The Ramblers enter the weekend with a 4-2 record in 2015, including wins in its last three matches. Loyola went undefeated in the Hampton Inn Invitational in Bowling Green, Ohio, last weekend with victories over IPFW, Bowling Green and Wright State. Morgan Reardon has a team-high 60 kills this season to average 3.0 kills per set and also tallies 2.8 digs/set, while Amanda Cushen has 43 kills and is hitting .391. The first match of the Popcorn Classic also marks the first between the Phoenix and the Ramblers.
 
Elon vs. Valparaiso
The Crusaders are undefeated on the season with a 6-0 record. Valpo has claimed tournament victories in both the Chattanooga Classic and the Terrier Invitational in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Outside hitter Emily Campbell has a team-high 64 kills, is hitting .303 and averages 4.27 kills per set. On defense, Morganne Longoria records 4.14 digs per set, while Kayla Currier posts 1.15 blocks per set. The Phoenix and the Crusaders have never met on the volleyball court.
 
Elon vs. Kennesaw State
The Owls are enjoying a successful 2015 campaign so far with a 6-0 record after a five-set win over Georgia State on Tuesday. Outside hitter Sydni Shelton has tallied 66 kills for KSU this year to hit .457 and average 3.0 kills per set. Setter Kristi Piedmonte is recording 10.33 assists/set, while libero Katrina Morton posts 4.16 digs/set. Elon and KSU met for the first time last season in the Kennesaw State Invitational in Kennesaw, Ga. The Phoenix claimed the first victory of the series, 3-2, on Sept. 5, 2014, with the help of a double-double by Sydney Busa after 11 kills and 10 digs.
 
Elon vs. Savannah State
The Tigers have struggled so far this season and is still looking for its first set and match wins of 2015. Makayla Tam is the offensive leader for Savannah State with a team-high 33 kills and six aces. Saturday marks the first volleyball meeting between the Tigers and Phoenix.
 
Nearing 1,000 Kills
Outside hitter Megan Gravley is close to reaching the career milestone of 1,000 kills. The Apex, N.C., native has recorded 976 kills so far in her career and is averaging 3.27 kills per set. The last Elon player to reach 1,000 kills was Caroline Lemke who finished her career in 2011 with 1,279 kills.
 
Block Party
The Elon defense has been impressive at the net so far this season and is out-blocking opponents 74-48. The Phoenix has out-blocked the other team in five of its eight matches this year and is averaging 2.5 blocks per set. The maroon and gold block has been led by Ally Karle and Catherine Head. Both Karle and Head have career-high 10 block matches in 2015 and are averaging 1.24 and 1.13 blocks/set, respectively
 
Local Homecoming
This weekend marks a homecoming for setter Ana Nicksic. The senior hails from Valparasio, Ind., and went to nearby Andrean High School.
 
Head Coach Mary Tendler
Elon head coach Mary Tendler is in her 13th season with the Phoenix program. She enters Tuesday's match with a 193-207 Elon and career coaching record.

One-on-One
Before each weekend, elonphoenix.com will present at One-on-One feature with a member of the volleyball team. This week's One-on-One is with senior Ana Nicksic.
 
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix returns home to host local rival and former Southern Conference opponent UNCG on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym