Southern Illinois University
12-10,4-7MVC
UIC
14-10,5-6MVC
Salukis Fall in Four-Sets to the Flames
10/22/2023 | 1:15:00 | Women's Volleyball
The Salukis got off to a good start with 16 kills on a .467 hitting percentage in the first set. Kelly Franklin led the Salukis with a career-high 15 kills including seven in the first frame. Franklin got off to a blazing hot start putting down her first seven kills on just eight attempts.Â
Southern continued to hit at an efficient rate in the second set but were unable to keep up with the Flames' 17 kills as they evened the match after two. UIC got off to a quick start in the third set with a 4-0 run to send the Salukis to an early timeout. The Dawgs were able to come back in the set and take an 18-15 lead before the Flames were able to go on another run to retake the lead in both the set and match.Â
The Salukis outhit UIC with 53 kills and a .254 hitting percentage compared to the Flames' 50 kills and .240 hitting percentage but weren't able to keep up with the UIC's success at the service line. Southern finished with just three aces compared to the Flames' 13.
Tatum Tornatta (14)Â and Nataly Garcia (11) both also tallied double-digit kills on the night as the pair continue to lead the Salukis in kills on the season. Maggie Wallenberger neared her career-high in blocks as she totaled six on the night to lead the Salukis.
Southern Illinois returns to action on Friday as they travel to Indiana to take on the Sycamores Friday beginning at 5pm. Following Friday's match, the Salukis will head to Evansville for a matchup with the Purple Aces on Saturday again at 5pm.
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
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