Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Illinois State
Volleyball sweeps Illinois State, snaps 36-match losing streak
10/31/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 31, 2009
By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com
NORMAL, Ill. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team swept Illinois State Saturday night, 25-23, 25-22, 25-17, on the Redbirds home court, breaking a 36-match regular-season losing streak dating back to 1990.
The Salukis (17-7, 6-7 MVC) hit just .020 in the first set with a match-high 13 attack errors, but overcame the Redbirds (10-14, 5-8 MVC) in the closest set of the match, 25-23, in Redbird Arena.
SIU combined for just seven attack errors in the final two sets, leading the entire third set for the 25-17 set and match win.
"I thought we played very balanced tonight," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "Our entire offense hit positive. After struggling the first set, Jennifer (Berwanger) responded and recorded some big numbers."
Outside hitter Jennifer Berwanger recorded a double-double with 12 kills, 24 digs, one solo and two block assists in the win. Setter Rachael Brown recorded a match-high 38 assist and five digs.
"Chandra (Roberson) and Alysia (Mayes) were big in the middle," Winkeler added. "We also had a great night passing. Lauren (Blumhorst) really had a great game in that respect."
Roberson recorded nine kills and five block assists, while Mayes added eight kills and a block assist.
The Salukis beat the Redbirds for the first time since SIU upset ILS in the 2002 MVC Tournament. SIU had not won in regular-season play since 1990 when the Salukis won on Illinois State's home court, 36 matches earlier.
"It definitely feels good to beat Illinois State on their own floor," Winkeler said. "I'm impressed with how the team is playing right now and we're looking forward to having a big weekend at home."
With Southern's 17th win of the season, they tied last season's total, the highest since 2002.
The Salukis take on Wichita State and Missouri State for the team's final weekend of the season in Davies Gym. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. and Saturday's match will be senior night, the final home match of the season.
