Sept. 4, 2009

By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com

Box Score

DE LAND, Fla. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team held Stetson to just 25 kills, sweeping the Hatters in the opening match of the Stetson Holiday Inn Invitational 25-21, 25-17, 25-12.

The Salukis started the season 5-0 for the first time since 2002.

"Rachael Brown and Chandra Roberson, Marina Medic along with Alysia Mayes really connected today and ran some great offense in the middle," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "In return, (Stetson) couldn't get much offense going off of our offense and that really helped us. We finally got used to the match tempo and came back in the third set and played better."

Roberson contributed 13 kills, one solo and two block assists, while Medic hit .833 with five kills and no errors and Mayes posted two kills and two solo blocks in the win.

Brown paced the Salukis with a match-high 39 assists, two service aces, one solo and three block assists. Lauren Blumhorst also pitched in 10 digs for the defense.

Jennifer Berwanger posted her third double-double in four matches with a match-high 14 kills and 15 digs.

SIU recorded an uncharacteristic seven receiving errors in the match.

The Salukis wrap up play at the Stetson Invitational Saturday, taking on Florida A&M at 12 p.m. and then facing Stetson in a rematch at 6 p.m.