Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois volleyball team faced a setback against Belmont, losing in four sets on Friday night. The match scores were 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, and 25-27.

Belmont began the first set with a swift 3-0 lead. However, Southern Illinois regained control when Annabelle Sulish secured her first kill of the evening. The Salukis recorded 15 kills and achieved a .265 hitting percentage to win the opening set 25-22.

Belmont responded by winning the next three sets. In the second set, they took advantage of five errors by Southern Illinois to claim a 25-22 victory, leveling the match at one set each. Sets three and four were closely contested, but Southern Illinois ultimately lost to Belmont. Overall, Southern Illinois finished with a .228 hitting percentage for the match compared to Belmont's .258.

Annabelle Sulish led the Salukis with a match-high of 17 kills and added nine digs. Kelly Franklin contributed 15 kills and one block, while Jillian Shaneyfelt recorded 13 digs and three service aces. Anna Jaworski facilitated the team's offense with 25 assists and also contributed ten digs.

Southern Illinois is scheduled to play against Murray State at Davies Gym on Saturday at 5 p.m.