Sept. 5, 2009

By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com

FAMU Box Score
Stetson Box Score

DE LAND, Fla. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team won two matches on the final day of the Stetson Holiday Inn Invitational to win the tournament title and start the season 7-0.

The Salukis came from two sets behind against Florida A&M to win three-straight sets and the match, 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-12), in the first match of the day. SIU went on to sweep Stetson in the nightcap, holding the Hatters under 16 points in each set, 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-16).

Jennifer Berwanger led the way against the Lady Rattlers hitting .419 with 21 kills and 13 digs for her fourth double-double in the last five matches. Chandra Roberson added 17 kills and two solo and five block assists in the win, hitting a match-high .438.

Rachael Brown recorded her second career double-double with 46 kills and 12 digs. Lauren Blumhorst added 15 digs on defense.

"I felt great about the tournament wins," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "We really battled back to beat great FAMU team. Defensively, I thought we were able to do well against the (FAMU) outside hitters that were very versatile."

Berwanger led the Salukis again in the win against Stetson with her third double-double of the weekend, a 13 kill, 14 dig effort.

Roberson added 12 kills and four block assists, while Brown added 38 assists, eight digs and four block assists. Blumhorst posted 10 digs.

Berwanger was named the tournament's most valuable player. Roberson and Brown were named to the all-tournament team.

"On the weekend, we did a great job connecting with the middles," Winkeler said. "That was really something we needed to work on from last weekend."

The Salukis return home Sept. 11-12 to host the 30th Saluki Invitational by the Hampton Inn. SIU faces UAB Friday at 7 p.m., Murray State and Valparaiso Saturday at 12 and 7 p.m.