Oct. 20, 2009

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville spread out the offense Tuesday but couldn't overcome Austin Peay's outside hitters in a 25-23, 25-20, 26-24 volleyball loss at the SIUE Student Fitness Center.

Austin Peay outside hitters Stephanie Champine and Kirstin Distler combined for 32 of Austin Peay's 47 kills in what was a good offensive effort from both teams.

SIUE freshman setter Jamie Mueller spread the offense around for the Cougars with her 30 assists. All six of SIUE's starters recorded a kill as well as Brooke Smith off the bench. Sydney Winslow and Brittni Birkey led SIUE with eight kills each as the Cougars boasted a .200 hitting percentage.

"I'm very pleased with how she's playing right now," said SIUE Coach Todd Gober said of Mueller.

After getting down two sets to none, SIUE came out on fire in the third set, boasting a 15-5 lead. Austin Peay would rally back behind the serving of Taylor Skinner and Kayla Grantham. The Governors tied the score 18-18 on a kill by Champine.

Gober said he was proud of the way his team competed against the now 15-6 Governors, which hit .214 for the match.

"We stayed aggressive and competed hard. That was a good solid team, and we were right with them almost point for point," said Gober.

SIUE is now 1-20 overall and next travels to Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky on Friday and Saturday.

-siue cougars-