Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis to hold final scrimmage in Davies Gym on Saturday
08/21/2015 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. — With the conclusion of Friday's practice, the Saluki volleyball team will wrap up its two-week camp in preparation for the 2015 season. A scrimmage set for 6 p.m. in Davies Gym on Saturday will cap off the team's preseason efforts, leading them into the regular season beginning next week.
"In the first couple weeks there are always a lot of new things, regardless of what year you are," head coach Justin Ingram said. "This is the first time we're with this particular group, so we've been working to become more efficient in how we play as a team."
Following a week focused on offense, the Salukis shifted their attention to the team's defensive systems this week. Slight changes to left back and middle back positioning and closer looks at responses and balls received in those positions have led to an improved, refreshed defensive scheme.
The hunt for this year's libero continues as well, with consistent performances by Mariana Pilon, Tara Routliffe and Ashley Edelen, according to Ingram.
"We like what we're seeing, and even better than that, the girls are enjoying the process of trying something new and learning it," he said. "The battle for libero is going to continue, I'm sure, and that's great."
Lessons from last week have carried over into this week's practices as well, with strong performances from SIU's setters Meg Viggars and Hannah Kaminsky. According to Ingram, they have been "catalysts" by managing the distribution and tempo to set up the Salukis' attackers for big plays.
"I think between the learning of the liberos and the consistency from the setters, those are things that are really making it easy for everyone else as far as being able to attack at high clips," Ingram said.
With a faster setting distribution implemented and a more efficient defense in place, the Salukis will test their skills in the team's final scrimmage before the regular season. The Salukis will open the regular season on Friday against Delaware in Orlando, Fla., at the UCF/Holiday Inn Express Invitational.
"When you look at videos from past years, this year's team just looks different," Ingram said. "We couldn't be more excited about what the end product could be, so we're going to keep plugging away and trying to get where we want to go."
The Salukis will take the court at 6 p.m. in Davies Gym on Saturday for their final scrimmage. Admission is free.
