Nov. 11, 2009

www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team inks three during the early signing period for 2010 Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler announced Wednesday.

The Salukis add 6-1 outside hitter from Hastings, Minn., Elly Braaten, 6-0 middle Emily Less from Forsyth, Ill., and Jessica Whitehead, a 6-0 middle blocker from nearby Murphysboro, Ill., to the team for 2010. The Salukis will return five starters and libero for next season, losing two senior middle blockers, a right side and defensive specialist at the end of the 2009 season.

Braaten, currently a senior at Hastings High School, helped guide her team to a 14-11 record this season totally 328 kills, 239 digs, 42 blocks and 32 service aces. The three-time all-conference honoree, was named All-State as a senior and was a two-time AAU All-American for her club team Northern Lights.

"Elly will be an outstanding all-around outside hitter for us," Winkeler said. "She has the ability to be a player that can play all six rotations for us and comes from a quality AAU program Northern Light where she was an All-American. We are happy to sign a player of her caliber and welcome her to the Saluki volleyball family."

Less, currently a senior at St. Teresa's High School in Decatur, Ill., helped lead her team to a 34-3 record and a regional championship this season. She is a two-time all-conference pick, breaking the school record in career blocks with over 400. As a junior set a new school record with 186 blocks in a season.

"Emily will be a great addition to our team," Winkeler said. "She is a true competitor who has played for Illini Elite, a well-respected club program. Her club experience, along with her great work ethic and attitude make Emily a well-rounded player."

Whitehead, who just wrapped up her volleyball career at Murphysboro High School, helped guide her team to a 114-32 record and four regional championships during her career. This season, the Red Devils were sectional champions making it to the "Elite Eight" setting new school records for single-season kills (516) and block points (212). She is a three-time all-conference and All-South pick including The Southern Illinoisan Player of the Year, earning All-State Honorable Mention honors as a junior. Whitehead finished her career with 1,156 kills, second all-time in MHS history and 485 block points, first all-time at MHS and fifth all-time in the state of Illinois.

Under Winkeler, the Salukis have posted the most wins since 2002 and reached the SIU and MVC record books in several categories. This season, the Salukis are perfect in non-conference play, 11-0.

Southern returns to action Friday, Nov. 13 at Creighton. The Salukis are fighting for a spot in the conference tournament, which is set for Nov. 26-28.