By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The fourth and final nonconference tournament for the University of Tennessee at Martin volleyball squad began this evening as the Skyhawks fell to Saluki Invitational host Southern Illinois in three sets (20-25, 10-25, 23-25).
Graduate middle blocker Olivia Saunders topped UT Martin with seven points tonight, contributing a co-team-high six kills to go along with a pair of blocks. The Mississauga, Ontario, Canada native also chipped in a .333 hitting percentage with only one attack error in 15 swings.
Halle Everett tied Saunders for the team lead with six kills this evening while Mia Saenz followed closely behind with five rally killers. Addy Vaughn distributed a team-best 12 assists with five digs while Haeleigh Paulino contributed 11 assists and six digs.
On the defensive end, Dylan Mott scooped up a team-high 10 digs for the Skyhawks (2-7), who were facing the Salukis (7-3) for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
UT Martin rounds out its participation in the Saluki Invitational tomorrow with a matinee against Oakland. The Skyhawks will square off against the Horizon League foe for the first time in program history at 1 p.m.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
