After dropping four consecutive conference matches, the Salukis traveled to Peoria to face off against Bradley University for a Friday evening volleyball match on Oct. 17, 2025.

The beginning of the first set was dominated by Bradley’s offense, hitting their way to an early 5-1 lead. Despite being in a hole early, SIU would start climbing their way out by knotting the set score at 14-14, making it anybody’s game. Although the set was neck-and-neck, the Braves and their resilient offense broke through and grabbed the first set by a score of 25-22.

Looking to bounce back quickly, the Salukis got off to a fierce start, sprinting out to an early lead fueled by four kills off the hand of Kelly Franklin and two more from Ella Swansiger. The Braves forced SIU into multiple errors, allowing Bradley to regain control. The strong defenses of both teams would spark rallies late in the set, but the powerful Bradley front row would put the Salukis away once more by a score of 25-22.

It was now or never for Southern Illinois, and they rebounded swiftly, taking a demanding 10-1 lead aided by two Larissa Seger kills and two aces by Ceci Bulmahn. Even though Bradley made a strong attempt at a comeback, the lead that the Salukis established was too much to overcome. Outside hitter Ella Swansiger totaled an impressive six kills in the set as SIU took a much-needed third set 25-19.

The fourth set was underway, and SIU looked to continue their push and force a fifth set. The first half of the set was a back-and-forth battle between the Braves and the Salukis, tallying a total of eight ties before either team scored 10 points for themselves. The Braves gained traction and had the end of the set in sight when a 7-1 Saluki run sealed the set at 25-23, keeping SIU’s hopes alive.

The fifth and final set started with some SIU errors, allowing Bradley to obtain an early 6-3 lead. Once again, the Salukis marched back and shifted the momentum with big kills from the hitters and an ace from Jillian Shaneyfelt and Emma Lade. Ella Swansiger continued her big night by adding two more kills, and Kelly Franklin dealt the final blow, giving SIU a 15-12 set victory and a 3-2 match victory.

Ella Swansiger led the offense with a remarkable 20 kills, tied for the second most in a match among Salukis this season. Jillian Shaneyfelt tallied 28 digs, the seventh most in a match among all of the MVC. SIU Volleyball seeks out a winning streak as they take the trip to Normal, Illinois, to play a match against Illinois State University on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. With this victory, the Salukis have a conference record of 3-4 and an overall record of 9-12.

 Sports Reporter Noah Petschke can be reached at npetschke@dailyegyptian.com.

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