Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball Holds First Practice Thursday
08/07/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 7, 2003
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - After a 23-10 overall record in 2002, its best in 17 years, the Southern Illinois University volleyball team began the 2003 season with its first full practice on Thursday morning, August 7. Head coach Sonya Locke led her young team through a morning session, which was the first of two practices on the day. Five returners were joined by the 12 newcomers, including 11 freshman, to begin the effort to follow up last year's success.
"It's good to finally get on the court and practice. We worked on some individual skills in the morning and we'll do team work in the afternoon. I think their skill level is actually a little higher than a typical incoming group. They're understanding what we want, are doing what we ask and are willing to make changes," said Sonya Locke, SIU head coach.
"We have a lot to teach them and it's good to get started with another year. This group is more experienced than the average freshman because of all their club play and we have a junior college player as well. This group is willing to learn."
SIU opens the season by hosting the 24th Saluki Invitational on August 29-30 at Davies Gym. The Salukis will face Austin Peay St. University on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. to open play in 2003. The University of Iowa and University of Denver will be the other teams participating in the tournament.
The Salukis reached their first MVC Tournament final and finished third in the MVC with a 12-6 record in 2002. Locke will rely on returners Kelly Harman (senior outside hitter), Erica Miller (junior defensive specialist), Carrie Shephard (junior middle blocker) and Marissa Washington (sophomore middle blocker) to lead the newcomers back to the MVC Tournament.
