Recap | Salukis Advance to MVC Semifinal with Sweep over Belmont

Monday, November 20

Springfield, MO

3 PM

Southern Illinois University

20-10,11-7MVC

Belmont

14-20,7-11MVC

Team	1	2	3	Final F
Belmont	20	17	25	0
Southern Ill.	25	25	27	3

Recap | Salukis Advance to MVC Semifinal with Sweep over Belmont

11/20/2023 | 5:29:00 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Alec Runyan, SIUSalukis.com

Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois advanced to the MVC Semifinals with its three-set win over Belmont (25-20, 25-17, 27-25). The Salukis win against the Bruins marks the program's first postseason victory since 2013 and first MVC Semifinal appearance since 2015.

All-MVC First Teamer Nataly Garcia led the match with 12 kills including 10 in the first two sets. Garcia has now had nine-straight matches with double-digit kills as SIU has gone on to win eight in a row as they head to the MVC Tournament Semifinal.

The Salukis put down 46 kills on a .257 hitting percentage as six different Salukis tallied at least three kills. Kelly Franklin followed Garcia with nine kills on just 19 attempts for a .368 hitting percentage.

SIU was able to find success at the service line as they put down at least one ace in all three sets including a match-high three from Brinley Burdette.

The third and final set came down to the wire after the Salukis scored consecutive points down 24-22 to tie the set at 24 all. Nataly Garcia finished the Bruins off with back-to-back aces as she's now had an ace in the Salukis last 14 matches.

The Salukis will now face No.1 seed and reigning MVC Champions Northern Iowa on Tuesday at 3 PM CT.

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.