The following is by the Montana State Athletic Department.

First-year Montana State volleyball coach Kyle Weindel has announced the 2012 Bobcat schedule, which includes non-conference tournaments in Illinois and Ohio.

MSU will open its 2012 slate at the Southern Illinois University Invitational against the Salukis, Western Illinois and Santa Clara, Aug 24-25.

The Bobcats will also make back-to-back appearances in Ohio, first at the University of Akron, Aug. 31 ? Sept. 1, and at Weindel?s former employer Ohio University, Sept. 7-8. At Akron, Montana State will face the Zips, Quinnipiac and Southeastern Louisiana. In Weindel?s first trip back to Athens, his current Bobcats will meet Ohio, Belmont and Niagara.

?I am really excited about this year?s schedule,? Weindel said. ?The Big Sky Conference is coming off one of the most competitive seasons top to bottom and the addition of two new conference opponents will make it even more challenging.?

The Bobcats will open its 2012 Big Sky ledger at league newcomer North Dakota on Sept. 13. MSU?s home-opener will be Sept. 20 when it faces Eastern Washington in Shroyer Gym. The annual Shakedown in Shroyer match against intra-state rival Montana is slated for Oct. 15.

2012 Montana State Volleyball Schedule:

Aug. 24-25 at Southern Illinois Tournament

Aug. 31 ? Sept. 1 at University of Akron Tournament

Sept. 7-8 at Ohio University Tournament

Sept. 13 at North Dakota*

Sept. 15 at Northern Colorado*

Sept. 20 Eastern Washington*

Sept. 22 Portland State*

Sept. 28 Idaho State*

Sept. 29 Weber State*

Oct. 4 at Northern Arizona*

Oct. 6 at Southern Utah*

Oct. 11 Sacramento State*

Oct. 15 Montana*

Oct. 19 Northern Colorado*

Oct. 20 North Dakota*

Oct. 25 at Portland State*

Oct. 27 at Eastern Washington*

Nov. 2 at Weber State*