Oct. 3, 2009

By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com

Box Score

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team put four players in double-digit kills, including double-doubles from Alicia Johnson and Jennifer Berwanger, to take down Indiana State in four sets in Missouri Valley Conference play Saturday night in Davies Gym.

The teams split the first two sets, Southern Illinois (13-2, 3-2 MVC) winning the first one 29-27 and Indiana State (5-13, 1-5 MVC) taking the second 25-27 before SIU swept the final two sets, 25-8 and 25-21 for the victory.

"We struggled the first and second set," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "Maybe a lay-over from the loss last night. We needed some time to gain back some confidence. We not only needed a win, but we needed to play with some dominance to get back on track. The third and fourth sets were a lot of fun."

Johnson led the Salukis with 14 kills and 22 digs, while Berwanger posted 12 kills, 11 digs, one solo and two assists on the block.

Freshman outside hitter Laura Thole recorded a career-best 12 kills, nine digs and two block assists, while Marina Medic came off the bench for 11 kills, one solo and three block assists.

"We had some players like Jasmine Conner, Bailey Yeager and Marina that really come in and gave us the momentum we needed," Winkeler added.

Conner, who is coming off of an ankle injury dating back to early September, came off the bench for five kills, hitting .500 in the match with a block assist.

Setter Rachael Brown recorded a career-best 54 assists, adding six digs and four block assists, while Lauren Blumhorst paced the defense with 22 digs.

Jodilynne Stoker led the Sycamores with 18 kills and 16 digs, while Ana Maira Charun added 11 kills and three block assists.

The Salukis are on the road next weekend October 9-10, traveling to Missouri State Friday (7 p.m.) and No. 25 Wichita State Saturday (7 p.m.).