Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Creighton
Volleyball falls on the road at Creighton
11/14/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 14, 2009
By Shalae Patrick
www.SIUSalukis.com
OMAHA, Neb. - The Southern Illinois volleyball team jumped out to win the first set at Creighton Friday night, but couldn't pull out the win, as the Bluejays won three straight on their home court for the 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-18) victory in Missouri Valley Conference play.
The Salukis (18-9, 7-9 MVC) hit .357 in the first set with just three attack errors for the win before being held to a stagnant, .088, .000 and .143 in the final three sets.
"We had problems with ball control in the final three sets tonight," Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler said. "With poor ball control led to offensive problems."
At the net, the Salukis put up just 3.0 total team blocks to the Bluejays 13.5.
Jennifer Berwanger led the Salukis with 14 kills, seven digs and four service aces, while Chandra Roberson hit a team-best .364 with 11 kills, adding four digs and a block solo.
Rachael Brown recorded the Salukis' lone double-double of the night with 35 assists and 13 digs, while Lauren Blumhorst recorded a career-best 33 digs to pace the Saluki defense, tied for third all-time in SIU history..
The Bluejays (11-15, 8-7 MVC) had no problems with their offense, hitting .327 in the match with just 10 attack errors in 150 attempts. CU had a balanced attack with four players in double-digit kills led by Jessica Houts with 15 kills and zero errors, hitting a match-high .536 in 28 attempts.
The Salukis return to action Saturday, when they travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to take on Drake. The team is currently sixth in the league standings with two regular-season matches left to play fighting with fourth-place Drake (8-7) and sixth-place Illinois State (7-9) and eighth-place Evansville (6-10) to get into the MVC Tournament Nov. 26-28.
