MURRAY, Ky. - SIUE volleyball was held to a season-low 31 kills Saturday as Murray State halted the Cougars' five-match winning streak with a 25-20, 25-15, 25-15 victory.

SIUE fell to 8-6 overall while Murray State improved to 6-8. The two teams play once more this season at the Vadalabene Center on Oct. 28. Next season, the matchup will be as full members of the Ohio Valley Conference.

"We just had too many people having bad days," admitted SIUE Head Coach Todd Gober. "Our setting and timing were off today."

The Cougars were close with the Racers in the first set at 11-10. But an 8-3 run by Murray State helped put the set out of reach. SIUE would have early leads in both the second and third set but never found a momentum.

SIUE also had a season-low 35 digs against Murray State. Karie Downing held the load on defense with 13 digs.

"I was happy with our defense tonight. We just didn't have a strong enough offense today to put them off their game," said Gober.

Lexi Cibulka and Jessica Hemann led the offense with nine kills each.

Murray State's Ashley Nenninger led all hitters with 13 kills. She came off the bench for the Racers and hit .423 for the match. Murray State was efficient with its offense with a team hitting percentage of .365.

Next up for SIUE is a Tuesday matchup with Missouri Valley Conference rival Missouri State. Match time is 7 p.m. It is the beginning of a four-match homestand for the Cougars that includes events with UMKC, Bradley and Western Illinois. "I'm looking forward to getting back home. We're heading back with a winning record right now so that;s good," said Gober.

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