The University of Evansville volleyball team looks to take the success from Monday’s night sweep to Carbondale, Illinois, Friday when the Aces (6-4) take on Southern Illinois (10-0) at 7:00 p.m.

“I think Monday’s match gave us a lot of confidence and reinforced the fact that we can be a good offensive team,” said Evansville head coach Mike Swan. “I think if we can block, teams will have a tough time scoring against us because we have a really good back row defense. I don’t think we have played our best volleyball yet, which is encouraging, but I think we will get there.”

UE’s back row defense is definitely a strong point on the team, as the Aces currently sit 10th in the NCAA for digs per set with 17.53. Setter Ellen Sawin also ranks high in the nation’s statistical leaders, as Sawin is currently ranked 17th for assists per game with an 11.22 average.

The Aces carry the momentum of hitting .424 as a team against Tennessee-Martin into the match Friday. Sophomore Brooke Maher has posted 120 kills this season for a 3.08 average while junior Emily Wandersee follows with 110 kills. Junior Julie Sylvester has recorded a team-high 142 digs in 2009.

The Salukis are off to their best start in program history and have already won three tournaments this season. SIU returned four starters from last year’s squad that went 17-12 and barely missed the conference tournament.

“They are off to a great start,” Swan said. “I think with them being one of the best blocking teams in the Valley, we are going to have to do good with our passing so that we can spread out our offense. I think if we serve receive well, stay in the system, get all of our attackers in the offense and put up a decent block against them, we have a decent shot of going away with a win against them.

“It would be huge for the first weekend of conference season.”

Returning junior Jennifer Berwanger is currently leading the league in kills with 145 total and 3.72 per game. Berwanger also ranks eighth in digs with 3.67 per game. Freshman Rachel Brown has already made a name for herself in the Missouri Valley, as she has earned Freshman of the Week accolades two out of the three weeks. The setter sits right behind Sawin in the MVC statistical leaders with 404 assists and a 10.36 average.