Saluki volleyball (11-5, 2-1) won the first of three straight home matches in four sets against conference opponent Bradley (5-10, 0-3) on Friday.

Senior middle hitter Taylor Pippen returned to the Saluki lineup from a right shoulder injury after missing the last six matches. She continued to post a high efficiency converting 14 kills on 21 attempts with no errors.

She wore a Sully brace over her injured right arm.

Advertisement

“It was killing me not being able to play,” Pippen said. “I might not be swinging as hard as I used to — [the brace] is a little restricting.”

After falling in the first set and posting a .174 attack efficiency, SIU won the next three sets with a combined .367 efficiency. The team finished with a .327 efficiency. 

Sophomore outside hitter Andrea Estrada followed the lead of her teammates and picked up play with 10 kills in the final three sets.

“It’s been a tendency to start slow this season,” Estrada said. “Once we have our energy together, its so smooth.”

Estrada finished with 11 kills on 31 attempts, with four errors and 14 digs.

MVC leading blocker Alex Rosignol sat out in the match against Bradley because of an injury. Coach Justin Ingram said she is doubtful to play in SIU’s next match against Loyola.

Ingram said it was advantageous to play at home.

Advertisement*

“Our fans came out and supported our team,” Ingram said. “Our product has been inconsistent. We need to work on competing from the beginning of the match to the end of the match.”

Saluki volleyball continues its homestand against Loyola at 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EvanJones_DE