Sept. 2, 2006

By Shalae Schulte
www.siusalukis.com

Box Score

LARAMIE, Wyo. - Senior middle blocker Johannah Yutzy led the Salukis with 17 kills, guiding the Southern Illinois volleyball team past Birmingham Southern Saturday night at the UniWyo Sports Complex, 3-1 (30-19, 30-25, 25-30, 30-27), in the final game of the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic.

Sophomore outside hitter Kristie Berwanger added her third double-double of the season with a 16 kill, 11 dig effort for the Salukis, now 2-4 on the season.

Senior right side hitter Haley Hann added 12 digs and three block assists, while freshman outside hitter Kelsie Laughlin recorded 14 kills and six digs.

"Again, Yutzy had a solid performance for us, along with Kristie," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "Haley also played well offensively. Although the stats may not show it, Chandra (Roberson) played well keeping balls alive, playing all around excellent."

Roberson, the Salukis' leading blocker this season as a freshman, added five block assists, while libero Kristy Elswick led all athletes with 23 digs.

The Salukis hit .284 in the match, recording 74 kills to the Panthers' 57. Defensively, the Salukis out-dug BSC 61-50, adding 14 block assists.

"We're glad to get a victory," Winkeler said. "We played well defensively, out-digging them. We also had a good blocking night. We struggled in the third game offensively, hitting just .045. Right now, we're just really looking for some consistency in each game."

SIU went 1-2 in the tournament, Yutzy being named to the 2006 Cowgirl Classic All-Tournament Team. The senior hit .355 in three matches, averaging 3.23 kills, 0.46 digs and 0.85 blocks per game.

Next weekend, Sept. 8-9, the Salukis return home to host the 27th Saluki Invitational. Friday night the Salukis will play Austin Peay at 7 p.m. Saturday, SIU will face Belmont (10 a.m.) and West Virginia (7 p.m.).