Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Illinois State
Volleyball drops match to Illinois State, 3-0
09/20/2008 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2008
By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois dropped their match against Illinois State 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-22) putting SIU 9-2 on the season, 1-1 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Salukis took on the Redbirds in front of 660 fans during "Pack the House Night" at Davies Gym.
The Redbirds (8-5, 2-0 MVC) and Salukis (9-2, 1-1 MVC) battled in the first set, but SIU was unable to hold off Illinois State, falling 25-19. Jennifer Berwanger contributed 10 digs to the team total of 39, five more digs than the Redbirds posted in the first set. J. Berwanger and Marina Medic led the Salukis in hitting percentage, both averaging .333.
SIU started the second set on top but the Redbirds fought back, taking the lead. Down by five late in the set, Freshman Lauren Blumhorst recorded her first ace to bring the Salukis within four points but it wasn't enough to hold off the Redbirds. The Salukis came within two points of the Redbirds at the end of the third set, but Illinois State took the set for the match win.
J. Berwanger led the Salukis overall in hitting percentage averaging .280 and posted 21 digs. Brooklyn Robbins recorded her 16th career double-double, posting 29 assists and 16 digs.
Southern Illinois will be back in action Friday, Sept. 26 when they travel to Evansville for their first conference road match of the season.
