SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Missouri State found its rhythm early and never let go in a 25-12, 25-18, 25-11 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tuesday night at the Hammons Center.

The Bears improved to 13-8 after coming off a weekend split at Southern Illinois and Evansville in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Cougars, who have now won five out of the last seven matches, fell to 7-9 with the loss. 

SIUE will get another opportunity for a Missouri Valley Conference team Saturday at 7 p.m. The match is currently scheduled for the Vadalabene Center, pending on-going construction issues.

On Tuesday, Mallory Clements led the offense with seven kills and 14 assists. SIUE managed 26 kills for the match and hit .067.

SIUE Coach Todd Gober said the Cougars provided too mnay opportunities for the Bears to get ahead.

"We didn't play aggressive enough," he said. "There were too many unforced errors on our part."

Missouri State countered with 10 kills and 11 digs from Addie Foley. The Bears collected 40 kills for the match and finished with a .293 hitting percentage.

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