The Salukis (5-13; MVC 0-5) took on the Bulldogs (8-5; MVC; 3-2) in a Missouri Valley Conference game where they lost in 5 sets. 

In the first set, SIU jumped out to a commanding lead over Drake. In the middle of the second set, Drake started to gain momentum and managed to tie the game 18-18. SIU stayed focused and won the set, 25-22. 

The second set was more of the same for Southern Illinois. They jumped out to an early lead, and managed to keep the Bulldogs down as they won again, 25-20. 

This is where the tide started to turn in favor of the Bulldogs.

Drake started the third set strong, hurrying to a substantial lead early on. The quick start was too much to handle for the Salukis, who fell 25-19. 

The Bulldogs continued to put the pressure on in the fourth set, and ended up winning 25-19. 

The momentum was entirely with Drake after the last two sets. The Bulldogs ended the final set quickly, 15-6. 

Drake’s sophomore Kacie Rewerts led the game in blocks with nine, while senior setter Madeline Holt totalled 48 assists. 

For Southern Illinois, junior hitter Nataly Garcia led the game with 21 kills on the night. Senior Katy Kluge helped the Salukis with 24 digs in the game, which was good enough to lead both teams.

The Salukis play their next game Saturday, Oct. 9 against Northern Iowa at 5 pm.

Sports Reporter Cole Daily can be reached at [email protected]

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