The Basics: SIUE volleyball continues its nonconference slate at the UIC Invitational with a trio of contests against UIC, Western Michigan, and UAB. The Cougars will open the weekend on Friday with matches against UIC and Western Michigan before taking on UAB Saturday.
Preseason Honors: Junior outside hitter Sydney Hummert picked up Preseason All-OVC honors on Aug. 16 following her 2022 season where she led the Cougars with 318 kills. Her 2.72 kills per set also led SIUE while ranking 10th in the conference. She added 266 digs and 27 service aces, both good for second on SIUE, while recording 38 total blocks.
500 Career Digs: Last weekend vs. Eastern Michigan, Hummert tallied her 500th career dig with SIUE.
200 Career Blocks: Last time out at the CEFCU Invitational vs. Eastern Michigan, Savannah Christian recorded her 200th career block in the second frame. The redshirt senior returns to SIUE as the most experienced player on the roster this season, entering her sixth year with the team. Last season, the outside hitter led the Cougars with a .242 attack percentage while her 263 kills ranked second.
At Center Court: Alyse Drifka recorded 421 assists last season, averaging 4.09 per set, good for second on SIUE last season. Drifka leads the Cougars through the first three games of the season with 56. Corinna Jones joins the Cougars this season from VCU where she collected 1,279 assists across three seasons. She currently ranks second on SIUE with 25.
Opening Statement: Middle blocker Priscilla Jones made her presence known in the first game of the season last weekend, picking up her first collegiate double-double on 12 kills and 11 digs vs. Eastern Michigan. She finished the match with a .571 clip, the highest attack percentage by a Cougar since Savannah Christian hit .542 at Eastern Illinois on Oct. 5, 2021.
Protect the Net: SIUE combined for 28 blocks last weekend, good for the top spot in the conference through the first three games of the season. Hummert and Priscilla Jones lead the squad with nine each.
Serving Up Aces: Junior Julia Treichel concluded opening weekend with six service aces. She is tied for second in the conference through the first three games of the season. Last season, the outside hitter finished the season with 20.
Follow the Action All Season Long: Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEVolleyball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
