Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball Picked Seventh In MVC Coaches Preseason Poll
07/30/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
July 30, 2003
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Southern Illinois University volleyball team was picked to finish seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference Coaches Preseason poll released by the MVC office today. Northern Iowa was the unanimous choice to win the MVC. The Panthers (100 pts.) are followed by SMS (89), Wichita State (78), Bradley (68), llinois State (63), Indiana State (42), SIU (39), Drake (32), Creighton (24) and Evansville (15) in the poll.
"I think that's respectable for a team that finished third overall last year and lost the type of talent that we lost. The MVC is going to be tough again this year and we knew that coming into the season. Where we finish in a preseason poll isn't up to us, it's up to the coaches in the conference. Seventh won't get you in the MVC Tournament so we know what we have to do better than seventh," said Sonya Locke, SIU head coach.
SIU was selected eighth in last season's poll and surprised many observers by finishing third, tying its best finish in Valley play. The Salukis are coming off the third place regular season finish, SIU's first MVC Tournament final and its best record in 17 years at 23-10. Locke plans to be among the top six teams and in Springfield, Mo. on November 28-29 for the MVC Tournament.
"Preseason polls are just polls and we were picked to finish eighth last year and finished third. We'll use this to motivate our team to keep working hard. We won't label our team based on the poll placing. We know we're young and we'll handle that the best way we can. We want to reach the MVC Tournament," added Locke.
SIU lost all-MVC performers Kristie Kemner (1st Team), Lindsey Schultz (1st Team) & Britten Follett (2nd team), five of six starters and eight lettermen. The Salukis will add 12 newcomers, including 11 freshman, to five returners (four who played) including one senior.
Southern Illinois will begin its fall practices on Wednesday, August 6 and opens the 2003 season at home in the Saluki Invitational August 28-29. The Salukis open the season on Friday, August 28 at 7 p.m. against Austin Peay (Tenn.) State University in Davies Gym. Fans can call 453-2000 for volleyball ticket information.
2003 MVC Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team
Player, Team Pos. Ht. Yr. HometownJill Arganbright, UNI S 5-10 Sr. Iowa City, IowaErin Murphy, SMS OH 5-11 Sr. Windsor, OntarioMolly O'Brien, UNI MH 6-0 Sr. Parnell, IowaJenna Passman, BU MB 6-0 Sr. Westfield, Ind.Linette White, SMS MB 5-10 Sr. Oklahoma City, Okla.Sara Younes, WSU RS 5-9 Jr. Bakersfield, Calif.
