JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Kelsey Augustine and Brooke Smith combined for nearly half of SIUE's kills Saturday as SIUE volleyball collected a 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22 victory at Jacksonville State.

The Cougars improved to 9-16 overall and 5-9 in the Ohio Valley Conference with their first league road win of the season. Jacksonville State dropped to 12-16 overall and 6-8 in the OVC.

SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson challenged her team to find a way to win Saturday. The team responded with strong defense and timely hitting.

"If you can't be perfect in one part of your game, you have to step up in some other part of your game," said Johnson. "You can give 100 percent effort 100 percent of the time."

Five SIUE players recorded double digits in digs led by 19 from libero Chelsea Colclasure. She was followed by 15 from Cori Harris, 11 from Kaitlyn O'Reilly, and 10 each from Sammi Minton and Smith.

"We played incredible team defense today," said Johnson. "I don't think we've had that since preseason."

Augustine led the Cougars with 14 kills followed by 13 from Smith. SIUE collected 55 kills for the match. Smith also led the Cougars with four service aces.

"They were nervous when she was serving," noted Johnson.

The Cougars also were lifted by freshman Leslie Lindsey. She hit .462 with seven kills and added five blocks. Her presence at the net helped bolster the defense.

"I don't think the stats indicate how well she played. Leslie blocked several balls back into play," Johnson said.

Nicole Merget powered the Gamecocks offense leading all players with 17 kills.

SIUE has two more matches left in the regular season. The Cougars travel to Eastern Illinois for a 7 p.m. matchup Wednesday. On Saturday, SIUE entertains Tennessee State for Senior Day at the Vadalabene Center. The first serve is set for 1 p.m.