Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Volleyball welcomes two for the 2016-17 season
11/13/2015 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Saluki Volleyball head coach Justin Ingram welcomed two new players to the SIU Volleyball program this week. Alayna Martin of Chesterfield, Mo., signed a written offer of admission on Thursday, while Ginger Perinar of Channahon, Ill., signed a national letter of intent on Friday. Both will be freshmen in 2016.
"Ginger and Alayna are very skilled a bring a ton of experience with high level high school and club experience to their overall package," Ingram said. "We've known them for the last few years, so we feel like this is a long time coming, and we're certainly grateful to welcome both Alayna and Ginger and their families to our program."
Ginger Perinar, a 6'2" outside hitter, is a four-year varsity athlete, finishing each season at Minooka High School with 20-plus wins and consecutive appearances in the Illinois High School State Volleyball Tournament. She is a three-time MVP and two-time all-conference and all-area selection. Perinar also ranks sixth in Illinois with an average of 4.6 kills per set in her career, 987 total.
"Ginger's skill sets have improved greatly, and she will be a part of our left side hitter crew that is going to be very difficult for opponents to defend as the future of our program continues to develop," Ingram said. "She's an outstanding player and we couldn't be more excited about what she's currently doing and the level of improvements she's had in the last year."
Alayna Martin is a 6'0" setter and hitter with three years of varsity experience, resulting in three straight state championship titles. She is a two-time first team all-conference honoree, and was selected as the 2015 Suburban West Conference Player of the Year. Aside from setting and attacking, Martin comes well-equipped with a strong jump serve. In her last two seasons, she totaled 118 service aces.
"We think Alayna is bringing exceptional skills with high-end setting and very good attacking abilities. Plus, she's just a great volleyball player. Her IQ is as good as anybody as far as the understanding of the skill sets," Ingram said. "We have high hopes for Alayna and there's no doubt she'll be able to help us compete for championships within the time that she's here."
