Sept. 19, 2008

Box Score -- Photo Gallery

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois volleyball defeated Indiana State tonight, improving to 9-1, the best season start in school history. The Salukis swept the Sycamores 25-14, 25-19, 25-19, marking SIU's fifth sweep of the season.

The Salukis (9-1, 1-0 MVC) had great momentum going into the match against the Sycamores (4-7, 0-1 MVC). Junior Kelsie Laughlin served three back-to-back aces at the end of first set, helping SIU toward a 25-14 victory over Indiana State. The team recorded 13 kills and three aces, to bring the Salukis one set away from making school history. The two teams competed a back-and-forth third set, with the Salukis capturing a 25-19 victory for the sweep.

"It's very exciting, especially for the kids that have been here since the start of it," said head coach Brenda Winkeler. "It's a great thing because they worked hard to get to this position."

Laughlin and Kristy Elswick led the team with four aces each, Brooklyn Robbins posted two aces two contributing to a team total of 10. J. Berwanger posted a double-double with 12 kills and 17 digs, hitting .400 against the Sycamores. Winkeler contributes a lot of the team's success tonight to the Saluki Pep Band.

"It's one of the best matches I've ever been to," said Winkeler. "Hats off, this win is to them."

The Salukis will be back in action tomorrow night as they host Illinois State. SIU is 5-58 against the Redbirds who swept Evansville tonight in their first MVC match of the season. Tomorrow night is "Pack the House Night" at Davies Gym, match time is set for 7 p.m.