Butler will host the Butler Invitational this weekend, featuring matches against Duke and LIU as the Bulldogs celebrate homecoming. The Bulldogs will kickoff a weekend of events with a Friday night match against Duke at Hinkle Fieldhouse. BU will then return to action on Sunday, as Butler faces LIU at Hinkle Fieldhouse. These will be the final two matches before the Bulldogs enter BIG EAST play.
Friday, Sept. 18. vs Duke at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20. vs LIU at 2 p.m.
Bulldog Bits
- Butler enters the match with a 6-4 record overall after dropping a midweek match against IU Indy.
- Raegan Durbin and Sawyer Jones pace the squad on offense, as the duo has accounted for 78 kills apiece through 10 games.
- Sarah Kempf leads the squad in assists this season with 151 to her credit. Kaylee Finnegan follows closely behind with 116 assists.
- Carly Slusser and Jones lead the squad in blocks, with both tallying over 40 on the season.
- Jersey Loyer continues to lead the Bulldogs in digs with 151 on the season.
Scouting Duke
The Duke Blue Devils finished 5-26 overall in the 2025 season. Currently, the Blue Devils are 7-1 and on a five-game winning streak. Ashby Zubchevich leads the Blue Devils in kills, with 103 on the season. Nikki Quinn leads Duke in assists with 317. Mailinh Godschall leads the defense with 98 digs.
Scouting LIU
The LIU Sharks finished last season with an overall record of 20-9. Currently, the Sharks are 1-7 in the 2026 season, with their lone win coming against Virginia Tech. Sara van Gisteren leads the Sharks in kills with 92 to her credit. Dilara Elmacioglu leads the Sharks in assists with 206. Sara van Gisteren also leads the defense with 69 digs.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will host two matches to open BIG EAST play. Butler will host Villanova on Friday, Sept. 25 at Hinkle Fieldhouse with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m. The Bulldogs will then square off with the Georgetown Hoyas on Saturday, Sept. 26. First serve for the match against the Hoyas is slated for 6 p.m., and both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
