Volleyball Denied At-Large Bid To 2002 NCAA Tournament

12/01/2002 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball

Dec. 1, 2002

Carbondale, Ill. - Despite its best season in 17 years, the Southern Illinois University volleyball team did not receive an at-large bid to the 2002 NCAA Volleyball Tournament on the NCAA Volleyball selection show on Sunday.

"The NCAA Tournament would have been a nice reward for a great season, but nothing will take away from winning 23 matches and finishing second in the MVC Tournament to the #4 team in the country. We had a great year," said Sonya Locke, SIU head coach and MVC Coach of the Year.

SIU finished 23-10 overall, third in the Missouri Valley Conference regular season with a 12-6 record and second in the MVC Tournament, losing in the final to #4 Northern Iowa. The 2002 Salukis advanced to just their second Gateway or MVC tournament final this season.

Northern Iowa was the only MVC team invited to the 64-team tournament. The Panthers will host the first and second rounds due to their #4 finish in the national poll.