Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Oakland
Volleyball sweeps Niagara Tournament, opens season 3-0
08/30/2008 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 30, 2008
By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com
NIAGARA, N.Y. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team grabbed two victories Saturday afternoon at the Niagara University Tournament improving to 3-0 record.
In the first match of the day, the Salukis defeated Oakland in three sets (26-24, 25-12, 25-22), SIU's second sweep of the weekend. Jennifer Berwanger led the team with 16 digs, senior setter Brooklyn Robbins was close behind with 12. Chandra Roberson and J. Berwanger contributed eight kills each to the team's total of 37.
"We showed we can win a close set," head coach Brenda Winkeler said of the SIUs 26-24 victory in the first set. "We were able to come back and minimize errors. Then we played the next two sets consistently."
A .333 hitting percentage led the Salukis to their third win of the weekend, sweeping Niagara (25-11, 25-19, 25-9). Kristy Elswick and J. Berwanger both recorded 12 digs for SIU who tallied 49 digs against the Purple Eagles. Robbins hit .666, with Marina Medic hitting .500 for the Salukis. Kristie Berwanger, Chandra Roberson, Kelsie Laughlin and J. Berwanger found success on the offense, all hitting over .300.
"Niagara was close to a perfect match," Winkeler said. "We had a lot of people doing well. Even though the competition wasn't the toughest we're going to see this season, we were able to serve and hit the ball inbounds consistently, our offense was great."
J. Berwanger hit .436 in the tournament, recording 24 kills and eight aces.
"Jen had a great weekend and played consistently," said Winkeler. "That's what we expect to see from her all year long."
The Salukis will travel to Munice, Ind. Sept. 5-6 to face Ball State, Purdue, and Tennessee Tech at the Ball State Tournament.
