Nov. 7, 2009

MURRAY, Ky. - Murray State played a near flawless match on its senior day to defeat Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball 25-15, 25-19, 25-20 on Saturday.

The Cougars finished the match with a .210 hitting percentage. SIUE Coach Todd Gober said SIUE's offense has shown continued improvement.

"I'm happy with how our offense has really started to click," said Gober.

Karie Downing led SIUE with 10 kills. "She put in another good match today," Gober said. Downing recorded the most kills for a second straight day.

Gober said Brittni Birkey and Kelsey Mosher also played well. He also noted the play of libero Sammi Minton. The freshman started the season as the team's setter, was hurt midseason, and now has taken over the libero role for Tiffany Turner, who is out with a knee injury.

"Sammi is doing a very good job. For someone who hadn't previously taken serve receive, she has stepped in and done well. And Sammi has a great attitude and is fiery. We need that out there," said Gober.

The Cougars were unable to stop Murray State's offense, which completed the match with a .421 hitting percentage with just seven hitting errors.

"They ran a fast offense and were in system too much," said Gober.

Ashley Nenniger paced the Racers off the bench with 14 kills. The Racers finished with 47 kills overall in the three-set match.

-siue cougars-