Sept. 12, 2009

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Tiffany Turner was named to the All-Tournament team at the Chattanooga Country Inn & Suites Tournament Saturday.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lost both of its matches Saturday at the tournament. The Cougars fell to host Chattanooga 21-25, 25-13, 25-22, 27-25 and also to Austin Peay 25-13, 25-18, 25-16.

SIUE coach Todd Gober was pleased with Turner's selection to the All-Tournament team. "She did an outstanding job. One of the reasons we changed our offense was to get her on the court in every rotation," Gober said of his libero.

Gober said the Cougars picked up good production out of Brooke Smith and Brittni Birkey in the Chattanooga match. Smith finished with 10 kills while Birkey added eight. Right-side hitter Sydney Winslow led the team with 13.

After the Chattanooga match, SIUE immediately stepped into the match with Austin Peay, a future Ohio Valley Conference opponent. "We didn't pass well (against Austin Peay). It was hard to get anything set up," Gober said.

Brianne Graunke led SIUE with six kills against Austin Peay as the Cougars hit .029 for the match.

Gober's change in offense to a 5-1 figures to pay dividends later. "I think we found our rotation," he added.

"One positive we can come out with is that we are fighting back in matches. We have a good competitive spirit," said Gober.

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