Story by Maggiann Ackerman
Contributing writer
Murray State volleyball shutout Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to add another win to the books 25-18, 25-22, and 25-14.
Before the Racers ended up pulling away from the SIUE Cougars, the first match was a close one, going point-for-point to tie the game at 12.
Things took a turn when Murray State freshmen middle blocker Kolby McClelland was behind the line to serve. The team was able to rally together to keep the service and receive four consecutive points to improve to 16-13. The Racers ran with the momentum and concluded the first match victorious, 25-18.
In the second set the Lady Cougars came out strong and showed they were not going to make the game a cake walk by taking an early 5-8 lead. Despite its best efforts, Murray State’s defense was too much for SIUE to handle by out-digging them 62-46.
Murray State sophomore libero Becca Fernandez was all over the court to help her team, even completing a successful attempt at a pancake, which proved to be a turning point in the second set as the Racers went on to defeat SIUE 25-22.
By the third match of the game the Racers were in the zone. Murray senior middle blocker Dacia Brown came out of the gates earning three of the first four points for Murray State. The Cougars fate was cemented after a 4-0 run that made the score 20-8. SIUE was unable to bounce back and the Racers wrapped the night up with a 25-14 win.
Murray State is now on a two-game winning streak in the OVC following the victory over SIUE. Murray State junior outside hitter Rachel Giustino said the late success has provided a confidence boost for the team.
“After our start in conference we really needed to pick ourselves back up and I think that’s what we’re doing here,” Giustino said.
Head Coach David Schwepker said the win tested the Racers’ composure.
“I think tonight everybody calmed down, went hard, and really went after it,” Schwepker said. “I think that’s what we needed. A win like that to make them relax a little bit.”
Murray State (8-9) (2-3) is back in action against Eastern Illinois at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 6 in Racer Arena.
