Southern Illinois University
2-8,1-7MVC
University of Northern Iowa
5-6,5-3MVC
Salukis fall to Northern Iowa in nail-biter
02/22/2021 | 8:02:00 | Women's Volleyball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois University volleyball team suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss (25-18, 25-19, 27-29, 23-25, 13-15) to the Northern Iowa Panthers Monday evening inside Davies Gym.
The Salukis (2-8, 1-7 MVC) were markedly better than they were Sunday afternoon and played like a young team determined to take down the potent Panthers. Southern used a 6-1 run to break an 11-all tie and never looked back to take the opening frame, 25-18. SIU then hit .345 and notched an 84-percent sideout percentage in the second set to claim a 25-19 victory and take a 2-0 set score lead.
The Salukis got out to a substantial 18-12 lead in the third set, but the Panthers rallied to tie the frame at 19-all. Southern didn't go away quietly, as it staved off three set points to again tie the frame at 24-all, but Northern Iowa eventually closed out the set, 29-27.
Southern again took a late lead in the fourth set, as a solo block by Alex Washington staked SIU to a 20-16 advantage. The Panthers, however, scored nine of the next 12 points to force a decisive fifth set. With momentum on their side, Northern Iowa again used a late rally to build separation that allowed them to escape with the win.
The Salukis had excellent distribution, as four hitters put down double-digit kills. Tatum Tornatta led the way with 12 kills, while Alex Washington tallied a double-double with 11 kills and 13 digs to go along with three aces.
Southern's middles both hit for high efficiencies. Emma Baalman hit at a .304 clip with 11 kills and three aces, while Imani Hartfield hit .421 with 10 kills on 19 swings. It marked the fourth time this season that the freshman middle has notched double figure kills.
Defensively, Katy Kluge notched 24 digs and added an assist and a kill. Kluge has now tallied 20-plus digs in five matches this season. Rachel Maguire recorded her seventh assist-dig double-double of the season with 50 assists and 14 digs. She also served four aces and added four kills.
Southern totaled a season-high 12 aces, which were its second-most in a match under head coach Ed Allen.
The Salukis are back in action on Feb. 28 when they travel to Peoria, Ill. to take on the Bradley Braves. First serve is set for 3 p.m.
