Southern Illinois University
8-3,0-0MVC
Oakland
6-6,0-0Horizon
Salukis Wrap up Non-Conference Schedule with Win Over Oakland
09/17/2023 | 1:06:00 | Women's Volleyball
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois wrapped up non-conference action with another win on Saturday morning as it took down Oakland in four-sets (22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20). The Salukis head into Missouri Valley action next weekend with an 8-3 record, the program's best non-conference start in nearly a decade.Â
After dropping the first set, the Salukis were able to take three-straight sets over the Golden Grizzlies to finish the Saluki Invite 2-0. Southern Illinois hit .260 with 59 kills, each of which are season-highs for four-set matches.Â
Five different Salukis recorded 10+ kills as they were led by Annabelle Sulish and Nataly Garcia who each tallied 14 as well as finishing the match with a double-double. Sulish set a new season-high with 13 digs for her second double-double of the season as Garcia has now had seven double-doubles through the first 11 matches.Â
That tandem of Garcia and Sulish also each recorded two aces and two solo blocks a piece to lead the Salukis.
Kelly Franklin, Tatum Tornatta, and Imani Hartfield each finished with 10 kills as well. Hartfield, who led the MVC in hitting percentage a season ago, led the match with a .526 hitting percentage.
Southern was tough defensively allowing just .090 hitting percentage from Oakland as they totaled seven blocks. Cecilia Bulmahn led the match with 19 digs for a new season-high for her third consecutive match with 12+ digs.Â
The Dawgs open conference play next Friday as they take a trip to UIC and Valparaiso for a pair of matches beginning at 6pm.Â
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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