The University of Nebraska at Omaha Maverick volleyball team opens the 2004 season on the road when they travel to Florence, Ala. to participate in the University of North Alabama Lions Classic on Thursday, Aug. 26 through Saturday, Aug. 28. Nebraska-Omaha opens the tournament against defending national champion and host North Alabama at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26. The Lions are ranked No. 4 in the CSTV/AVCA NCAA Division II Preseason Volleyball Poll.

The Mavericks, who return four starters and 10 letterwinners from last season's 12-18 squad, will then take on tenth-ranked Grand Valley State, a 2003 NCAA seminfinalist, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27. The Mavericks will battle No. 22 Pittsburg State at 4:30 p.m.

Nebraska-Omaha will conclude the tournament on Saturday, Aug. 28 with a 10 a.m. match against Southern Arkansas and a 4 p.m. contest versus Hillsdale.