The SIU volleyball team split a weekend series with two Missouri Valley Conference opponents, but the exact same results from another conference rival kept them alive in the race for the final bid to the MVC Tournament.

The Salukis (14-14, 6-10 MVC) defeated Bradley and lost to Northern Iowa in their final home series of the season, but remained tied for the sixth and final tournament spot with Evansville, who also defeated the Braves but lost to the Panthers.

No. 4 ranked Northern Iowa (19-9, 13-3 MVC) proved to be too much for the Salukis on Saturday as the Panthers swept the Salukis in three games (30-21, 30-21, 30-18).

Advertisement

SIU’s offensive attack was limited as the team totaled a .100 hitting percentage that night.

Junior right side hitter Kristie Berwanger led the Salukis with nine kills and sophomore outside hitter Kelsie Laughlin added eight kills and a team-high 16 digs.

Berwanger said Northern Iowa’s strong blocking made it difficult to put down the ball offensively and the team will have to work on better ball control going into the final week of the regular season.

Coach Brenda Winkeler said the team put up a good fight against Panthers, who lead the MVC in blocks and hitting percentage.

“I thought we controlled what we could and that was how hard we played,” Winkeler said. “I think we played extremely hard throughout the whole thing and dug a lot of balls and showed a lot of character.”

A match against Bradley (3-26, 2-14 MVC) on Friday proved to be more difficult than anticipated as the Salukis took the win in four games (30-15, 24-30, 30-20, 30-15).

After easily winning the first match, Laughlin, who recorded a double-double on the night with 13 kills and 16 digs, said the team wasn’t aggressive enough early in the match and needs to work on staying focused on the opponent going into final regular-season matches.

Advertisement*

“We can’t relax at all and we can’t let down, and that’s what we need to work on,” Laughlin said.

Junior setter Brooklyn Robbins had a match-high 48 assists, eight kills and five service aces and sophomore middle blocker Marina Medic had a career night, bringing in her first double-double with 13 kills, 10 block assist and three solo blocks.

With the 10 block assists, Medic moved up to fifth place on the SIU all-time career block assist leaders, passing fellow sophomore middle blocker Chandra Roberson.

Medic said the accomplishment shows how hard she worked during the offseason and is glad her training and conditioning has paid off.

The Salukis will round out the regular season on the road Friday and Saturday as they travel to Illinois State and Indiana State.

Megan Kramper can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 282 or [email protected].