CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Four players recorded double figures in kills Tuesday as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball roared past Southeast Missouri State University at Houck Field House.

The Cougars collected the victory 20-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-21 in the first-ever meeting between the two regional teams.

SIUE improved to 8-10 and 3-1 this season against future Ohio Valley Conference opponents. All three of the OVC wins have come away from the Vadalabene Center. The Cougars have three more matchups this season against OVC teams, all of which are at home. It begins Friday at 7 p.m. when the Cougars entertain UT Martin.

On Tuesday, SIUE had to overcome a strong first set from SEMO, now 7-11.

"They played a flawless first set," said SIUE coach Todd Gober. The Cougars managed 14 kills in the first set to EMO's 16 and had to play even better to come back against the Redhawks.

Gober said the Cougar defense was the star. SIUE blocked well with 11 team blocks and served with authority.

"Kelly Farrell came off the bench and really gave us a spark," said Gober. Farrell had five digs in her three sets of play.

 SIUE finished with 64 kills in the four-set match. Sydney Winslow led SIUE with 16. Noelle Franke recorded 14 and a team-best .478 hitting percentage. Middle hitters Kelsey Hubert and Samantha Schulte each had 10 kills. Schulte added a team-high six blocks.

"I felt we executed well," said Gober. "This was a big road win for us." 

-siue cougars-