Salukis Face Challenging Weekend in Missouri Valley Conference Play
The Southern Illinois University Carbondale volleyball team heads to Peoria, Illinois, this weekend to face Bradley University and Illinois State University in crucial Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) matchups, seeking to elevate their standing in the league. The Salukis will play Bradley on Friday, October 14, and Illinois State on Saturday, October 15.
Navigating a Tough MVC Landscape
Southern Illinois entered the 2024 season with modest expectations, being selected ninth in the annual coaches’ MVC preseason poll. The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) dominated the poll, securing 120 points and 10 of the 11 first-place votes, signaling a competitive conference environment. Currently on a five-match losing streak following a recent four-set defeat to Southeast Missouri State, the Salukis face an uphill battle.
Historical Context: Battles with Bradley and Illinois State
The Salukis boast a strong historical record against Bradley, leading the all-time series 49-28. However, the Braves have gained momentum recently, winning 10 of the last 13 encounters, including both matches in 2024 in straight sets. The series with Illinois State presents a steeper challenge, as the Redbirds hold a commanding lead with 84 wins in 98 matches since 1975. Illinois State also secured victories in both 2024 contests, prevailing in four sets each time.
Key Players Driving Southern Illinois’ Performance
Despite the team’s recent struggles, several players are demonstrating exceptional performance. Annabelle Sulish, a Knoxville, Tennessee native, reached a career milestone on October 4 against Belmont, becoming the 17th player in Saluki history to surpass 1,000 career kills. She currently ranks seventh in the MVC with 216 total kills and tenth in kills per set (2.92), also contributing 242 total points.
Setter Emma Lade has been instrumental in orchestrating the Saluki offense, delivering a season-high 40 assists in the season opener against Sam Houston – the most by a Saluki setter since November 2022. Lade currently sits third in The Valley in total assists (538) and assists per set (6.64), and is fifth in service aces with 24. Freshman setter Addison Kerr is also making a significant impact, recording 27 assists against New Mexico State on September 5.
Defensively, Eva Krakowski leads The Valley with 11 blocks in a single game against Murray State on September 26, and is tied for sixth in the MVC with 64 total blocks. Larissa Victory is proving to be a formidable attacker, currently ranking fourth in the MVC in hitting percentage (.358) after setting a career-high of 15 kills against Eastern Illinois.
On the back row, Jillian Shaneyfelt is a defensive stalwart, ranking third in the MVC with 315 digs and seventh in digs per set (3.99). Cecilia Bulmahn has also reached a significant milestone, becoming the sixth Saluki in history to achieve 1,250 career digs during the October 3 match against Indiana State, and is tied for sixth in service aces with 22. Kelly Franklin leads the team with 245 kills, ranking second in The Valley, and boasts a .327 hitting percentage, fifth best in the conference.
Aces and Assists: Team Strengths
Southern Illinois excels in service, currently second in The Valley with 123 service aces. The team demonstrated this strength with 10 aces in both the win over Oakland and the loss to Southeast Missouri State, tied for the most in the conference thus far. They also lead the MVC in aces during five-set matches, recording 13 against McNeese State. The Salukis also showcased strong offensive coordination with 63 assists against Murray State on September 26, tying for the most in a four-set match in the MVC.
Fans can follow the Salukis’ progress and stay updated on team news through their official social media channels on X (@SIU_Volleyball), Instagram (@SIU_Volleyball), and Facebook (SalukiVolleyball), as well as through the Salukis Mobile App available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
