Oct. 29, 2012

MILWAUKEE - It's time to don your Black and Gold and show your Panther Pride as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee celebrates Spirit Week.

The week includes some key fall sports contests as well as the start of the basketball season.

Events start Tuesday at 7 p.m. when the Panther volleyball team hosts Marquette in a match set to be televised live by Time Warner Cable Sports 32. Along with the volleyball match, the evening's activities include a meet and greet and autograph session with the men's and women's basketball teams, a costume contest and iPad giveaway, and a postmatch Ice Cream Social and Zombie Ball.

Friday the action continues as the Panther women's soccer team looks to move one step closer to the NCAA Tournament in a Horizon League Tournament semifinal contest. The match begins at 7 p.m. at Engelmann Stadium. Also Friday, the Panther volleyball team hosts UIC in a Horizon League clash at 7 p.m. while the Panther swimmers are in the Klotsche Center Natatorium to take on Wheaton at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, the Panther women's basketball team and new coach Kyle Rechlicz makes their 2012-13 debut with a contest against Hillsdale at 7:30 p.m. in the Klotsche Center. Earlier in the day, the Panther volleyball team faces Loyola at 2 p.m. while the Panther swimmers are back in the pool against UIC at 1 p.m. Also in the evening, the men's soccer team looks to improve its spot in the Horizon League with a 7 p.m. match against Valparaiso.

Sunday, the Panther women's soccer team will hope to be back in action in the Horizon League Tournament Championship match. The Panthers would play at 1 p.m. at Engelmann Stadium if they win Friday night, with a berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line.

The activities then run into Monday as the Panther men's basketball team starts its season with a 7 p.m. contest against UW-Parkside at the Klotsche Center.

All week long, Pounce and the Panther cheerleaders will be out and about on campus all week giving away prizes. Plus, the UWM Bookstore will offer specials and discounts. And, Spirit Week marks the debut of a new athletics-bases Social Rewards program for UWM students. Students can earn points for prizes by participating on both Facebook and Twitter.