SIUE travels to Carbondale to take on SIU in OVC conference match - Volleyball
The women’s volleyball teams from SIUE and SIU are set to cross paths at an Ohio Valley Conference match on Wednesday, September 27. The Southern Illinois Salukis (SIU) will serve as the hosts of this action-packed thriller, while the SIUE Cougars will enter
the competition as the visiting squad. Both sides are equipped with all the necessary tools of the game and it will be a great match to watch. However, there is no telling about the potential outcome of the match because both teams are fairly evenly matched.
Southern Illinois University – the Salukis
The SIU Salukis currently stand with a perfect 6-6 record in the young season. This is going to be an important match for them as they can make a difference with one more victory. They will have the support of local fans and familiar playing-conditions will
also provide them an extra edge over their opponents. So far, SIU has lost three conference matches and captured only one victory. Comparatively, they have a better winning record at home. They have recorded more wins on their home turf with a 3-2 record.
The SIU squad capacity is considered a strong team with a great team-line. Laura Thole is an excellent hitter, while Jessica Whitefield is another scoring machine for SIU. The hosts will be relying on these two players for the attacks. Senior Elly Braaten,
on the other hand, is known for her solid defence. She has shown great performance in previous matches and the fixture against Cougars will be another chance for her to enjoy the spotlight.
Nevertheless, the SIU dropped their last home match against Creighton on Saturday, September 24. They are required to make up a return victory in the next match against SIUE.
Southern Illinois University Edwards – Cougars
The SIUE Cougars had a win/loss ratio of 7-9. The Cougars are playing in their first season with a full Ohio Valley Conference schedule along with 11 OVC teams. A total of 20 games are scheduled to be played among the 11 teams, where each team will play
two matches against each other.
The Cougars will be coming back to action after snatching a great win from Austin Paey last week. SIU Edwards held them off for a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Cougars will be trying to carry the momentum against their hosts in today’s match. The Head Coach,
Leah Johnson, has assembled a great team, which includes top hitters Jessica Hemann and Kelsey Augustine. Both middle blockers for the Cougars have enjoyed top form in the running season. They have a hitting percentage of .280 and .277, respectively. SIUE
also has three more hitters who could be quite active on centre court.
Sophomore Cori Harris will also be on board. She has built up a record of 26 aces in the season with a .41 service ace per set. Cougars’ setter, Sammi Minton, is averaging 9.69 assists per set overall and is fifth among OVC setters. All in all, they seem
fully prepared to give a hard time to the hosts.
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