Southern Illinois University
12-9,4-6MVC
Valparaiso
14-9,6-4MVC
Beacons Top Salukis in Four
10/20/2023 | 10:19:00 | Women's Volleyball
The Salukis got off to a solid start as they put down 15 kills in the first set with a .227 hitting percentage but were unable to keep up that pace throughout the match due to Valparaiso's stingy defense. The Beacons entered the match averaging just over two blocks per set and finished the match with 22 total.Â
Valpo never led in the first set by more than three points (3-0 lead to start) including four lead changes but the Beacons were able to put together consecutive points tied at 24 to take the early lead.Â
After going down 4-0 to start the second set, the Salukis were able to fight their way back and go on several runs of their own to even the match at a set a piece. Junior middle Maggie Wallenberger put down two of Southern's final three kills in the frame as she finished with four on the night for a new season-high. Wallenberger also tallied a pair of solo blocks and two block assists as well, both team-highs on the night.Â
The Beacons were able to slow down the Salukis offense in the final two sets as they allowed Southern to tally just 20 kills in the final two frames while hitting .106.Â
Nataly Garcia and Cecilia Bulmahn both neared double-doubles between kills and digs. Garcia led SIU with 18 digs to go along with nine kills while Bulmahn had eight kills and 16 digs on the night. Annabelle Sulish was the lone Saluki in double-digit kills with 12.
 The Salukis return to Davies on Saturday, October 21 for their second meeting with UIC on the season. First serve is set for 5 p.m.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Volleyball, on Instagram at @SIU_Volleyball and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiVolleyball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.Â
