Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois Women's Volleyball achieved a reverse sweep against Oral Roberts at the Betty Austin Invitational, winning 65-38 over the final three sets after losing the first two. Annabelle Sulish and Kelly Franklin led with 19 and 17 kills, respectively. Both players recorded their first double-doubles of the season, with Franklin tallying 12 digs and Sulish with 10. Sulish also set a career-high attack percentage at 48.5%. Franklin was named tournament MVP, and both were selected to the All-Tournament First Team.

Anna Jaworski and Ema Stermenska combined for 50 assists, continuing their strong performance as one of the best setting duos in the Missouri Valley Conference. Larissa Seger contributed a team-high 14 blocks over the weekend, including five in Sunday's match.

The Salukis fell behind in set one but managed an 8-1 run to send it into a deuce before Oral Roberts secured the win. SIU struggled in set two, losing 25-16. However, they dominated set three after starting with a 6-1 run and maintained control despite six service errors. In set four, SIU's four aces led to a decisive victory, forcing a fifth set where Sulish and Franklin's combined efforts secured a 15-9 win.

The Salukis will next compete in the Saluki Bash at home starting Friday at 10 a.m. in the Banterra Center.