Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Drake University
Volleyball sweeps Drake on Senior Night
11/15/2008 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 15, 2008
By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - It was an emotional night as four Salukis played their final match at Davies Gym. Erika Bartruff, Kristie Berwanger, Kristy Elswick, and Brooklyn Robbins were all honored on senior night before defeating Drake in three straight sets (25-18, 25-17, 25-10).
The Salukis (16-11, 6-10 MVC) started strong with a 6-1 lead over the Bulldogs (11-19, 4-12 MVC) early in the first set. Kills by Brooklyn Robbins, Marina Media and Kelsie Laughlin late the set put the Salukis up 21-16. Back-to-back kills by Chandra Roberson and Jennifer Berwanger led Southern to their 25-18 defeat over the Bulldogs, grabbing a 1-0 lead. SIU hit .366 in the first set, while Drake hit 17 percent as a team.
Senior setter Erika Bartruff took the Salukis on a 7-0 run to grab a 15-4 lead in the second set. The Bulldogs came back within six points, but SIU held on and a kill by Sydney Clark gave Southern the 25-17 win. After the second set, the Salukis were out-digging Drake by 13, posting a .313 hitting percentage compared to Drake's .135.
The two teams began the third set with a back-and-forth battle for the lead but SIU dominated, 25-10, for the sweep. J. Berwanger led the team in hitting with .516, Roberson was right behind with. 370. As a team, SIU posted 77 digs over Drake's 51. Robbins recorded her 30th career double-double with 40 assists and 10 digs. Elswick led the Salukis in digs with 26, J. Berwanger posted 16, and Laughlin recorded 13 against the Bulldogs.
"I thought we played very well tonight, we had a lot of people contribute," said head coach Brenda Winkeler. "It was a great overall peak performance and a great way for the seniors to go out."
The Salukis will be back in action next weekend as they travel to Illinois State on Friday, Nov. 21 and Indiana State on Sat. Nov. 22 for the final regular-season matches of the year.
