EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE volleyball collected 10 kills in the fifth set to pull off a 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-10 victory over Jacksonville State in Ohio Valley Conference action at the Vadalabene Center.

Chelsi Hummert came off the bench for three kills in the fifth set, and Kelsey Augustine added three kills as well in the final frame. The Cougars, who hit .500 in the fifth set, improved to 11-18 overall and 6-11 in the OVC.

Jessica Hemann led SIUE with 15 kills and a .400 hitting percentage. The Cougars finished the night with 62 kills and a .199 hitting percentage.

"Everyone came in and served a great role. We showed them something different every rotation. To have that many assets on our roster is a great situation to be in," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

It was the 10th five-set match of the season for the Cougars, one shy of the most five-set matches in a season for the Cougars set during the 2001 season.

The Cougars won't have much rest before its next match as they play host to Tennessee Tech Saturday for a 2 p.m. matchup.

SIUE and Jacksonville State went back and forth Friday in the first four sets with the Cougars taking the first and third sets while the Gamecocks, now 9-18 overall and 7-10 in the OVC, won the second and fourth set.

"We'd like to eliminate those fifth sets but as long as we are battling point for point, it doesn't matter how long it takes us to get there if we get to the destination we want," said Johnson.

Jacksonville State middle hitter Liza Senenkova led all players with 18 kills. Outside hitter Hivya Leite added 15 kills for the Gamecocks.

SIUE served aggressive against Jacksonville State and finished with 11 service aces. It was the fourth time this season that the Cougars reached double digits in service aces and the most against an OVC opponent.

"I am really excited about how our team came out from the start. They were very determined and had a great sense of purpose," said Johnson.

Danielle Cushley gave the Cougars a lift off the bench with three service aces. Libero Chelsea Colclasure added three service aces along with her 24 digs, which led all players.

SIUE's blocking also was solid. Augustine led the Cougars with five followed by four from Brianne Graunke.

"We made a few adjustments and people started blocking with a little more purpose. The blocking in the third set turned that match around," Johnson added.

Johnson said SIUE's role is one of spoiler for the rest of the season. "Right now, it is about the Cougars still making a name for themselves and building momentum going into next year," she said.

-siue cougars-