Oct. 10, 2003

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - A pair of freshmen helped power the Lewis University women's volleyball team to a four-game victory over defending conference champion Southern Indiana October 10. Lewis' Charisse Steckling and Sarah McKinney picked up the Flyers (12-6, 4-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference) throughout the match and helped the team to a 30-28, 30-26, 28-30, 30-24 victory.

"McKinney was on fire tonight," said Lewis head coach Karen Lockyer. "For a freshman in a big match, she really came through for us."

McKinney posted a match-high 21 kills, hit .424 and added 16 digs with two aces to lead the Flyers.

Steckling complemented McKinney's outside presence with nine kills, a .421 hitting percentage and four blocks from the middle.

"We put Charisse in in game 3 against Indianapolis last week," said Lockyer. "She gave us some good things there, so for the first time this season, we had her practicing with the first team all week long. She's gotten stronger and stronger in that time and played really well in a big spot for us."

Lewis trailed 23-21 in each of the first three games, however, it was able to overcome the deficit and pull out wins in the first two games.

"I'd prefer not to be behind," said Lockyer. "Some teams tank it when they get behind, but we haven't done that this season. We keep fighting and that's nice to see, especially with as many underclassmen that we have playing. If we get a lead, we generally hold them pretty well, but if we get behind, they don't panic."

At several points during the match, Lewis did not have an upperclassman on the floor.

Junior Maggie Haen recorded 25 digs to lead Lewis' defense.

Laura Ellerbusch had 15 kills to pace Southern Indiana (14-6, 3-4 GLVC). Leeanne Gross, Natalie Atzinger and Ashley Riordan tallied 14 kills each.

Lewis will host Kentucky Wesleyan Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.