Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois Women's Volleyball secured its first victory of the 2024 campaign with a three sets to one win over Chattanooga on Friday in Huntsville, Alabama. The match marked the beginning of a three-game set for the Salukis at the Betty Austin Invitational, hosted by Alabama A&M.

After winning the first two sets, Southern Illinois (1-0) dropped the third set before clinching the final set with a decisive 25-13 score.

Sophomore Ella Swansiger led SIU with 14 kills in her debut match as a Saluki. Junior Larissa Seger contributed six blocks, while Anna Jaworski provided 23 assists. Ema Stermenska recorded the team's first double-double of the season with 14 assists and 10 digs. Outside hitter Annabelle Sulish added to the effort with 10 kills, seven digs, and four blocks.

Southern Illinois initially trailed in each of the first two sets but managed an 8-0 run in set one and an 11-2 surge in set two to go up 2-0.

Chattanooga (0-1) held an 18-9 lead in set three before Southern Illinois closed within two points at 19-17. However, Chattanooga scored six of the last seven points to force a fourth set.

The Salukis capitalized on key errors by Chattanooga, and Kelly Franklin's kill sealed their twelve-point victory, ending the match in four sets.