Aug. 7, 2008

www.siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Following a season that saw the 2007 Southern Illinois volleyball team finish with its best record in five years and make its first Missouri Valley Conference tournament since 2002, Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler is looking for big things from her 2008 squad that returns all six starters and her three-year starting libero.

"This season, we will have more experience than we've had in the past," Winkeler said. "We have a lot of returning players coming off of the success of last year. Technically, we need to work on defense, because we have most of the same people coming back, and blocking has really become one of our strengths. "

Coming off a successful spring season, Winkeler feels the team chemistry on and off the court and tremendous experience can only help the 2008 squad.

DEFENSE
Led by senior libero Kristy Elswick, SIU looks to build on what Elswick has provided in the back row the last three seasons, stability. She heads into her final season as a Saluki owning the single-season and career dig records at SIU, ranking seventh all-time in the MVC.

Along with Elswick, junior college transfers Mandy Stamper and Caitlin Dugger along with freshman Lauren Blumhorst join the team and will help at the defensive specialist positions.

"One of our goals was to bring in some more people who can play defense," Winkeler said of her defense. "The top of the league is digging 19 balls per game and we're at 16, putting us in the middle of the pack on defense. That's one of the areas we really want to improve on."

"I'm really excited about her experience on the court as a leader. Hopefully, it goes without saying that Elswick will come back and have a great senior season."

Along with the newcomers, junior outside hitter Kelsie Laughlin, senior setter Brooklyn Robbins and sophomore outside hitter Jennifer Berwanger will continue to aid with ball control. The trio all averaged more than 2.5 digs per game last season for the Salukis, second, third and fourth on the team behind Elswick.

SETTER
Seniors Brooklyn Robbins and Erika Bartruff return to handle setting duties.

"Both Erika and Brooklyn do a great job," Winkeler said. "Even better is that we can have a practice and have two quality setters. Two people that can get the job done. Not only that, Erika, who did not play as much, is capable of leading this team on and off the floor. They help each other out in matches and practices. And they work extremely well together. They compete, but it's a healthy competition."

In addition to the returning seniors, freshman Amanda Arnold can also contribute.

"Arnold will also train as a setter, along with right side," Winkeler said of the freshman. "She's got to be ready to run the show come spring, so we'll definitely have her setting. It's a great opportunity for her to get on the court at the right side and get that experience as well as training."

MIDDLE BLOCKER
The Salukis are covered in the middle, returning both starters, juniors Chandra Roberson and Marina Medic, along with sophomore Jasmine Conner.

Roberson, a second-team all-Missouri Valley Conference pick, and Medic, a two-time all-tournament MVP, really gave the Saluki offense some options last season, not to mention helping post the best blocking stats in program history.

"Chandra has two full seasons behind her and Marina one," Winkeler said of her experienced middles. "Now, they're juniors, so I'm looking for even more offensive play by using different shots.That's what's going to take to get us to the next level. We need them to do different things for us to move up in the standings. They're really going to have to step up. We need to see them become consistent, especially against the top teams in the league."

Conner, the best jumper on the team, also returns after finishing in the top-10 in league play in blocks. The sophomore will step in when needed at middle, but may also be an asset to the outside.

OUTSIDE HITTER
Sophomore Jennifer Berwanger and junior Kelsie Laughlin will return on the outside, along with sophomore Sydney Clark. All three are a great help with ball control, but need to stay consistent on the outside to make an impact this season.

"Kelsie does a great job with ball control. She's a great passer and defensively has done well," Winkeler said of the two-year starter "Jen, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team a year ago, puts the whole package together, she's a complete player, while Sydney can come in and get a kill, and I used her a lot in that position that last year at one point. I think with some more maturity, jumping wise she could be at the top of that group. She has already made great improvements in the weight room."

RIGHT SIDE
Senior Kristie Berwanger, who moved from outside a year ago to the right side, stepped in to provide the blocking against opponents' best outside hitters. Considered the team's court leader, as long as she stays healthy and on the court, she will make an impact.

"We're going to make sure we keep her on the court. It will just be imperative to keep her injury free. Her back is doing well right now, but our goal with her one season left is to just keep her on the court. She'll be an all-conference performer, if that happens for us. Last year, she was third in points until she got sick. So in my mind, she will be a top performer in the conference as long as she stays healthy."

Backing her up will be freshman newcomer Amanda Arnold, an athletic player who has a great attitude and work ethic

"Amanda brings a lot of maturity to the right side," Winkeler said. "She's a good blocker. She's played with a high level club and won a state championship with her high school."

The Salukis open the season August 29 at the Niagara Tournament against Sacred Heart. The team opens their 13-match home schedule at the 29th Saluki Invitational against Western Illinois at 7 p.m. in Davies Gym. Admission to SIU volleyball games are as follows: adults, $5; high school students and under, $3. For more information, please call the SIU Ticket Office at 1-877-SALUKIS.