Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball Travels To Bradley & #13 Northern Iowa
10/21/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 21, 2003
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
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CARBONDALE, Ill. - In what could be one of the most important weekends of the season, Southern Illinois (6-15, 2-7 MVC) goes on the road to face Bradley (8-14, 4-5 MVC) and #13 Northern Iowa (16-3, 8-1 MVC) in MVC matches on Thursday and Friday respectively at 7 p.m. SIU is currently in eighth place in the MVC standings, and trails Bradley and Illinois State by two matches with nine MVC matches left.
"We're in a do or die situation, the way we figure it. Obviously some things can happen to other teams, but we don't want to count on upsets or other teams losing. In my opinion, the Bradley match is extremely crucial. We're not saying we can't beat Northern Iowa, but we're more evenly matched with Bradley. We see it as a possible turning point in our season and we have told the kids that as well," said SIU head coach Sonya Locke.
SIU was swept by Bradley and Northern Iowa earlier this season at home. Locke expects a tough time on the road, regardless of which team they're playing. One key against the Braves will be avoiding unforced errors once again.
"I thought we made a lot of unforced errors the first time we played Bradley and didn't play very good defense. We're better in those areas and hopefully if we play better defense, and they hit the way they have been hitting, we'll have a better chance to win. We know we'll be on the road, in front of their fans and in their arena, so we'll have to manage all that and not make more mistakes than Bradley. If they beat us and we play as well as we can, then that's fine. We just can't give away any points," added Locke.
"I just want us to play harder, be more relentless on offense and defense, play a more uptempo game and not be lethargic in our approach or the pursuit of the ball. That's what's been beating us. We also can't forget about passing, serving and communication. We have to bring the total package, we can't just be good in one area and expect to win. Bradley has some upperclass players in key positions, so we have to focus."
Many of the young Salukis will be facing Northern Iowa on the road for the first time. The Panthers will have even more incentive to win, coming off their first loss in MVC play to SMS last week, as well as the quest to win coach Bobbi Petersen's 100th match. UNI has the longest home winning streak in the nation at 66 matches and is 128-3 at home in West Gym since joining the MVC.
"Northern Iowa will be fired up after losing their first match in MVC play to SMS last week. They'll be ready to play and it will be a loud and great volleyball environment for our kids to experience. We have to be ready to play our best to have a shot to win," stated Locke.
The Salukis have won three of their last five matches, and are coming off a 3-2 win over Evansville to move into eighth place in the MVC. SIU leads the series against Bradley 22-12 and trails Northern Iowa 31-7 in the all-time series.
SIU is led by senior Kelly Harman (197 kills, 2.63 kpg, 193 digs, 2.57 dpg, 16 aces), juniors Carrie Shephard (137 kills, 66 blocks, .85 bpg, 19 aces) and Erica Miller (183 digs, 2.44 dpg), sophomore Marissa Washington (143 kills, .277 Hitting %, 57 blocks, .79 bpg, 14 aces) and freshmen Holly Marita (758 assists, 9.36 apg, 175 digs, 2.16 dpg, 26 aces), Haley Hann (197 kills, 2.43 kpg, 49 blocks, 95 digs, 16 aces), Jene' Pulliam (131 kills, 2.38 kpg, 106 digs) and Ashley Saverine (114 kills, 2.11 kpg, 133 digs, 2.46 dpg).
