DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University volleyball team dropped a three-set match to Southern Illinois by scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-21 at the Knapp Center on Saturday night.

Drake's (2-23, 0-13 MVC) offensive charge was led by sophomore Scarlett Howerter (Lincoln, Neb.), who had a team-high eight kills and hit a .312 clip. Sophomore Rebecca Brown (Bentonville, Ark.) dished out 30 assists, while senior Sarah Madden (Van Meter, Iowa) had 14 digs. Madden's 14 digs places her second all-time in school history with 1,467 for her career.

The Salukis (15-12, 10-5 MVC) were led by Jessica Whitehead and Elly Braaten, who had 12 and 11 kills, respectively.

Southern Illinois jumped out to a quick lead in the first set and Drake was unable to recover. The Salukis took the opening frame 25-12, while hitting .333 on 14 kills. Drake hit just .107.

After not trailing in the first set, Southern Illinois faced a deficit in the second set until the Salukis fought back to tie the score at 8-8, forcing a Drake timeout. The Bulldogs were able to stay with the Salukis for a short time, but were overpowered by an attack that hit a .400 clip closing the set out at 25-21.

In the third set, Drake hung steady with SIU as there were four ties and two lead changes before the Salukis closed the match out with a 25-19 decision.

Drake returns to the Knapp Center tomorrow as it hosts Evansville at 2 p.m. Live stats and video streaming will be available at www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com.