Nov. 7, 2009

Box Score

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team defeated Missouri State in their final home match of the season (25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 14-25, 15-11). The Salukis took the Bears to five sets, marking the team's first five-set match since their win over Valparaiso at the Saluki Invitational on Sept. 12.

The second-place Bears dropped to 18-8 overall, 11-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while the Salukis improved to 18-8 overall and 7-8 in conference play.

The evening started with the honoring of the Saluki's four seniors, Marina Medic, Chandra Roberson, Caitlin Dugger and Kelsie Laughlin.

Freshmen Laura Thole and Alysia Mayes led the team in hitting with an even .500. Three Salukis posted three double-doubles on the night. Rachael Brown recorded a match-high 45 assists and 11 digs, while Alicia Johnson posted 11 kills and 15 digs.

Jennifer Berwanger also grabbed a double-double, while leading the team with 18 kills and 19 digs against the Bears.

As a team, SIU recorded 78 digs and 61 kills while posting a .171 hitting percentage. "I told the team to just go out there tonight and play hard, not play timid and kept it going," head coach Brenda Winkeler said.