KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan volleyball team continues its preparations for the 2022 season on Friday afternoon as it heads to Valparaiso for a 12 pm exhibition match against the Beacons. 

Friday's contest is the lone exhibition tilt for Western Michigan, who is coming off of a 19-win campaign and appearance in the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinals in 2021. The Broncos open up the 2022 regular season next weekend, Aug. 26-27, in Boulder, Colo., at the Buffs Invitational. WMU begins the campaign next Friday with matches against Denver and at Colorado, before rounding out their first weekend of action against Green Bay. 

Western Michigan begins its home slate by hosting a tournament at University Arena from Sept. 2-3, with the home opener on that Friday night against Wright State. The Broncos follow that up with matches the next day against North Dakota and Indiana State. 

The Broncos, who finished second in the MAC West last year, begin conference play with a two-match home series against Buffalo on Sept. 23-24 at University Arena.