The seniors on the SIU volleyball team are used to firsts.

As sophomores in 2007, they were part of the first Saluki playoff squad since 2002.

As juniors in 2008, they helped the team to its best start in school history at 9-1.

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And now for their curtain call, the seniors want to be the first Saluki team to win a conference championship since 1985.

Head coach Brenda Winkeler said the seniors possess the leadership to bring the team its second Missouri Valley Conference championship.

‘Their leadership is really important to us,’ Winkeler said. ‘They have been there, they have been around, and they know the ropes. They have done a good job of acclimating the new people to the lineup and making them feel comfortable.’

The four seniors are outside hitter Kelsie Laughlin, middle blocker Marina Medic, middle blocker Chandra Roberson and defensive specialist Caitlin Dugger.

Winkeler said she knows this team has the potential to finish high in the Valley standings and it will be on the seniors to unite the team in their final effort for a championship.

The team has a chip on its shoulder as it missed the MVC tournament cut last year by one game, but junior Sydney Clark said she knows the seniors would be motivated to win it all either way.

Clark said the seniors are capable of leading the Salukis to more than just the MVC tournament.

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‘These girls came into a program that was kind of below a level that we wanted it to be at,’ Clark said. ‘They worked really hard and stayed on track and they helped bring us one of the best records we have ever had. These girls know what they are doing and they are awesome.’

Medic said she hopes the senior leadership can take the Salukis past the MVC tournament and into the NCAA tournament.

‘ ‘It was a really big disappointment that we didn’t make the MVC tournament last year,’ Medic said. ‘I want to make the tournament this year, and then hopefully we can also make the NCAA tournament.’

The volleyball program, which started in 1958, has never made it to the NCAA tournament. The last conference championship they had was in 1985. That championship was the only one in the program’s history.

Medic said regardless of what happens, the senior class is ready to leave one final mark on the program.

‘My senior year came up really fast, it’s exciting,’ Medic said. ‘I feel like we have done a lot for this program. I’m really excited to start this year and ready to go out with a bang.’