After a tough loss to Pittsburg State to end a four-game road swing, the No. 19-ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's volleyball team is ready to get back on track this week.
         "The loss is positive in that it pointed out some areas that we can improve," said SIUE women's volleyball coach Todd Gober. SIUE boasted another win against a top 25 team with a four-game victory over Missouri Southern State. The Cougars hold a 17-4 record and remain in first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with an 8-0 mark.
         "We are still playing well," said Gober. "We have gotten more efficient and make less mistakes than a month ago."
         Over the weekend, setter Mallory Clements (Mt. Pulaski) notched two triple-doubles for the Cougars. Clements posted double digits in kills, assists and digs against Missouri Southern State and Pittsburg State.
         Emily Rahn (Waukesha) and Kate Hofeldt (Antioch) are becoming very strong outside hitters for the Cougars, said Gober.
         Kelsey Hubert (Freeburg) is starting to come into her own as a strong middle hitter, added Gober.
         "She (Hubert) is starting to show she is a go-to type of player," said Gober.
         The Cougars take on two tough teams on the road this week at Northern Kentucky and Bellarmine.
         "Northern Kentucky is one of the best offensive teams in our conference and returned their All-American from last year," said Gober. Bellarmine, meanwhile, returned five starters from last season and are becoming a veteran team.
         The challenging road matches from last weekend will help the Cougars to be prepared for the hard matches coming up, said Gober.
         The Cougars face Northern Kentucky Friday at 7 p.m. in Highland Heights, Ky.
                  -siue cougars-