Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Se Missouri St
SE Missouri Sweeps Southern Illinois as Salukis Lose Five Straight
02/22/2001 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
September 26, 2000
Cape Girardeau, Mo. -
SE Missouri State (6-8, 2-0 in OVC) extended its home winning streak to 24 games, with a 15-5, 15-6, 15-3 sweep of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (7-7, 0-3 in MVC).
With the loss, the Salukis drop their fifth straight match and seven of the last eight games. SE Missouri State's 24 game home match winning streak began with a win against Southern Illinois on September 29, 1998. SIU is 13-7 all-time against SE Missouri State.
"I think there is a level of hesitation right now. When you come off a string of losses everybody wants to win, but I think we want to win so bad that everyone is afraid to make mistakes and that takes a toll on you. There are no real awnsers. We just have to keep working," Saluki head coach Sonya Locke said. "We'll find out where the character is on this team and see when each individual decides to step up. They know I have confidence in them. This team is very talented. We don't have seniors on the court for leadership, so we're looking for someone to step up. These kids are fighters and we'll get there. We have to pass well and play better defense. We don't like where we are and I like that."
SE Missouri jumped out to an 11-1 lead and easily won game one 15-5. Lea Beckemeyer nailed eight kills in eight attempts for SE Missouri State. Kristie Kemner led the Salukis with 5 kills and 5 digs.
In game two, SIU fell behind 11-3 once again and lost game two 15-6. Tara Cains led SIU with 3 kills and 3 digs in the loss.
The Salukis fell behind 8-1 in game three and couldn't recover, falling 15-3 to lose the game and the match. Kristie Kemner led SIU with 4 kills.
Kemner led the Salukis with nine kills and three digs. Jenny Noel added five kills and five digs.
The Salukis next action will be at home on September 29 vs. SW Missouri State and September 30 vs. Wichita State. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in Davies Gym.
"I hope the fans come out to our home matches and give us a chance. When you have a team that's down, there's nothing like being at home and I hope our fans support us and that starts a fire," Locke added.
