NASHVILLE, Tenn. - SIUE volleyball let the momentum shift late as it dropped its second straight five-set match Friday night at Tennessee State.

The Tigers improved to 6-4 overall and 2-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 21-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-17, 15-11 victory at Kean Hall. SIUE fell to 6-9 overall and 1-3 in the OVC and looks to rebound at Austin Peay Saturday in a 1 p.m. matchup.

"They transitioned so well," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "We couldn't track their hitters quick enough."

Tennessee State recorded 75 kills for the match, including 22 from Terakka Walker. Shaquita Williams finished with 16 kills followed by 15 from Danielle Howell and 12 from Rebecca Moudree.

Johnson said the Cougars were strong early with the play of middle hitters Kelsey Augustine and Jessica Hemann. SIUE took a 2-1 set lead and held the momentum.

Hemann and Brianne Graunke recorded the final three kills to close out the first set. After Tennessee State evened the match in set two, the Cougars used a quick 6-1 rally midway through the third set to gain control of the match.

SIUE and Tennessee State were tied 9-9 in the fourth set when the Tigers went on an 8-2 run to go ahead 17-11. The Tigers were able to side out the rest of the set to force the crucial fifth set.

"That's where the match changes," Johnson said.

SIUE's defense picked up 22 digs from Chelsea Colclasure, but the Cougars weren't able to turn as many of their digs into kills as their opponent.

"We could never score points on defense," Johnson said.

Julia Whitfield led SIUE with 10 kills for the match.

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