EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Freshman Kristen Torre and sophomore Emma Anderson led SIUE's offense with eight kills each in a four-set loss at Eastern Illinois.

The Cougars fell to 9-17 overall and 5-10 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Eastern Illinois held off SIUE late to improve its record to 11-19 overall and 8-7 in the OVC. EIU won the match 25-17, 25-27, 25-23, 25-21.

"We had some very aggressive serving and had them out of system for much of the match after set one," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

The Cougars couldn't overcome 17 kills from EIU's Emily Franklin and 10 from Stephanie Arnold.

Both teams played well on defense. Chelsea Colclasure finished with 26 of SIUE's 70 digs. EIU had five players in double figures in digs and ended the match with 72.

Blocking also was at a premium for both teams in the match. EIU collected 14 blocks including seven from Abby Saalfrank. Junior Kelsey Augustine led SIUE with six blocks as the Cougars finished the match with 9.5 blocks.

Johnson said hitters were scrambling to find creative ways to score since blocking and defense were strong.

"We're both in the top three in the conference, and you could tell it from this match," Johnson said.

Both teams played  hit and miss on offense throughout the match. SIUE and EIU each picked up 31 attack errors for the match.

The Cougars now return home to the Vadalabene Center for their Senior Day Saturday. Match time against Tennessee State is 1 p.m. and will feature the final match for seniors Sammi Minton, Brooke Smith, and Brianne Graunke.

Johnson said the team that channels its emotions will have the upper hand Saturday.

"I think it's going to be an emotional match," Johnson said. "It's the last opportunity for our seniors to go out in style."