Sept. 1, 2009

MACOMB, Ill. - Sydney Winslow led Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with 12 kills Tuesday but the volleyball Cougars came up short at Western Illinois 25-16, 20-25, 25-20, 25-22.

Karie Downing was next in line for SIUE with nine kills against the Leathernecks. SIUE dropped to 0-5 for the season.

The Cougars next head to Muncie, Ind., for the Ball State Tournament. SIUE takes on Louisville, Ball State and IUPU-Ft. Wayne in the two-day tournament which begins Friday.

SIUE coach Todd Gober said he didn't want to make any excuses. He said his team has been in every match this season but has not found the way to finish off sets.

"We're experiencing some growing pains right now," said SIUE coach Todd Gober. "I see us having the ability to be good. I see us being good this year."