For the second time ever and the first time since 2015, Saluki volleyball will be playing in the postseason.

Southern Illinois (20-11) play in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship tournament, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. against DePaul (17-14). The winner of SIU and DePaul will advance to play the winner of Drake (22-10) and Chicago State (13-8) on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.

The Salukis will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, as their first two potential matchups will be hosted by Drake University.

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“I was so stoked when I got a call from coach Friday afternoon telling me that our season wasn’t quite over yet,” senior Tatum Tornatta said. “I wouldn’t want to take on this historic season with any other team.”

Tornatta and fellow senior Nataly Garcia both reached the 1,000 career kill mark during the 2023 season. Reaching the NIVC allows the seniors another chance to take the court with their longtime teammates.

“The most exciting part is that I have another opportunity to play with my second family,” Garcia said. “It’s a blessing.”

Already having racked up 20 wins on the year, SIU has attained its highest win total since 2016, when the team won 21 matches. The Salukis also won a match in the MVC Tournament for the first time since 2013.

With the postseason trip, the team has a chance to add to its historic season.

“I’m so proud of everything we have accomplished so far and I can’t wait to compete in the NIVC tourney,” Tornatta said.

Sports editor Brandyn Wilcoxen can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @BrandynWilcoxen. To stay up to date with all your southern Illinois news, follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.

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