Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball Hosts Evansville In Crucial MVC Match Tuesday
10/18/2004 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 18, 2004
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
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CARBONDALE, Ill. - Despite losses in nine of its last ten matches, including five of its last six MVC matches, Southern Illinois (5-15, 3-6 MVC) is still tied with Evansville and Indiana State for the sixth and final 2004 MVC Tournament spot, heading into Tuesday's match with Evansville (10-11, 3-6 MVC) at 7 p.m. in Davies Gym.
"It's nice that we are still in the race, but we want to manage the second half of the season properly, since there are plenty of opportunities we have and need to take advantage of, if we are going to reach the tournament," said Sonya Locke, SIU head coach.
Following losses to Illinois State (3-0) and Indiana State (3-1) last weekend, SIU is in need of some wins to stay in contention for a tournament spot.
"There's no question we need to stay in the race now and the only way we can do that is if we win. We need to break away from the tie with Evansville and Indiana State and hopefully we can get a win Tuesday and start to do that," Locke added.
SIU defeated Evansville 3-2 on Sept. 21 for its lone MVC road win of the season behind five athletes with double figure kills. SIU is 1-5 in MVC play since that win, so Locke doesn't know how much that win will impact this match.
"I don't know if the win earlier will have a whole lot of relevance to this match. They are an improved team and we're struggling right now, so we'll see how we match up. I expect another dogfight. We're both pretty evenly matched. As long as we play good defense, pass and serve the ball well, we have a good chance to win," said Locke.
And just how much will being at home help?
"I just know it's good to be back home again, but the team knows where we are and what has to be done to win. It's just a matter of whether or not it gets executed. We have to execute on Tuesday," added Locke.
Last weekend, Evansville beat Indiana State (3-2) and lost to Illinois State (3-0). The Purple Aces enter the match with four wins in their last six matches. SIU has a 25-4 advantage in the all-time series and is 20-4 under Locke, including wins in six of the last seven matches.
The Salukis are led by junior middle blocker Marissa Washington (.309, 6th overall in MVC). Sophomore setter Holly Marita, who is top ten in MVC assists per game (11.50, 5th) and overall assists per game (10.81, 7th), runs the offense.
Defensively, senior libero Erica Miller, ranked in the top ten in overall digs per game (4.22, 5th) and overall digs per game (3.61, 7th) and senior middle blocker Carrie Shephard, ranked in the top ten in MVC blocks per game (1.03, 10th) lead the way. Shephard also is eighth in league play with .38 MVC aces per game.
