Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Evansville
Volleyball sweeps Evansville, 3-0
10/24/2008 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 24, 2008
By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team swept Evansville, improving to 4-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference, 13-7 overall.
Tonight's match was "Dig for the Cure" night in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over 400 fans came out to support the Salukis in the fight against breast cancer by donating $1 per dig with proceeds going to the Breast Center, a division of Southern Illinois Healthcare.
The Salukis (13-7, 4-6 MVC) defeated the Purple Aces (11-12, 5-5 MVC), 25-20, in an exciting first set to take a 1-0 lead over Evansville. Southern Illinois hit .298 compared to a team hitting percentage of .098 from the Purple Aces. Brooklyn Robbins went 3 for 3 in the first set, posting 13 assists and five digs. Chandra Roberson contributed six kills to a team total of 18 in the first set.
"We had great offense tonight," said head coach Brenda Winkeler. "When the opposing team doesn't know who to go to it really makes your offense be on fire, and it was tonight."
The Salukis dominated in the second set, 25-14. SIU started the set with a 15-2 lead over Evansville, the biggest lead of the night by either team. The Saluki defense posted four blocks and 13 digs. Sydney Clark led the team in the second set, contributing five kills. Following the second set, the Salukis were hitting .346 on the night, while the Purple Aces posted a .120 hitting percentage.
Senior libero Kristy Elswick set the momentum going in the third set, starting the set off with an ace. With a 20-17 lead later in the match, Elswick contributed two more aces, putting the Salukis within one point of a match win. A kill by Jennifer Berwanger ended the third set, 25-18, for the Saluki sweep.
Southern's offense was on tonight, with five Salukis hitting over .250 for a team average of .312. SIU out-dug the Purple Aces 60-43, posting seven blocks over Evansville's one. SIU totaled 46 kills, 43 assists and four aces in their victory over Evansville.
"Tonight was one of the best matches we've played all season," said Winkeler.
Southern Illinois will be back in action tomorrow night as they host non-conference opponent South Dakota. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at Davies Gymnasium.
