JOPLIN, Mo. -- After three close games to open the match, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball Cougars didn't leave any doubt after game four.
         No. 19-ranked SIUE defeated 25th-ranked Missouri Southern State 29-31, 30-28, 30-26, 30-20. SIUE imroved to 16-3 overall while Missouri Southern dropped to 19-3.
         Kelsey Hubert led all hitters with 16 kills. SIUE setter Mallory Clements posted her third triple-double of the season with 10 kills, 51 assists, and 13 digs against the Lions.
         Five Cougars finished in double figures. Kim Potthast blasted 13, Emily Rahn followed with 12 and Kate Hofeldt added 10.
         SIUE fell behind early in game one 4-0 and battled back to take a 10-9 lead. But a late surge lifted the Lions 31-29 in the first game.
         SIUE took games two and three by slim margins and then powered past the Lions with 21 kills in game four.
         Missouri Southern was led by 13 kills from both Cherie Baugh and Tessa Woods.
         SIUE continues its road trip Friday with a 7 p.m. match at Southwest Baptist. The Cougars play Pittsburg State at 3 p.m. Saturday at Bolivar, Mo.
                  -siue cougars-