Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis Open Volleyball Season At Oregon State Classic On August 31
08/29/2001 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2001
Carbondale, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University Carbondale volleyball team will open its 2001 season at the Oregon State University Classic in Corvallis, Oregon on Friday, August 31.
The two day tournament includes SIU, host Oregon State and 2000 NCAA Tournament participants San Jose State University and Sacramento State University.
"We could have gone to a weaker tournament but I don't think that will benefit our team. Winning is important but the caliber of teams you play is more important," coach Sonya Locke said. "This is an opportunity to win against some quality teams and I scheduled this tournament because I think we can handle the competition. We're trying to build a better program and this is part of that."
Locke begins her 11th year with ten letterwinners returning, including all six starters led by junior all-MVC second-team outside hitter Kristie Kemner and senior three-year starter Jenny Noel.
"I'm looking for the team to play to their level of maturity. We're more experienced, have played together longer and we're stronger after a good spring and summer. I expect to come back with some wins. When you have an upperclass team (four seniors, six juniors) your expectations should be high and mine are," added Locke.
The weekend will mark the introduction of rally scoring to NCAA volleyball play with the first four games going to 30 points and the fifth game played to 15 points. The new rules are expected to have an impact.
"It doesn't matter who we play, we're going to have to be a good defensive team. If we play good defense everything else will come along. Good defense sparks your offense and we have to be good on defense with the new rally scoring," stated Locke.
SIU will play Sacramento State on August 31 at 7 p.m., tournament host Oregon State September 1 at 2 p.m. and San Jose State September 1 at 2 p.m. Overall, the Salukis will face five 2000 NCAA tournament teams in 2001.
