EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE opened the 2012 season at the Vadalabene Center Friday and dropped a four-set decision to Montana State 25-17, 21-25, 25-13, 26-24.

It was the first action of the season for both schools.

Montana State came out strong in the first set of the Cougar Classic with 13 kills, but the Cougars quickly evened it up in the second set by forcing 10 errors from the Bobcats.

"We were very consistent in set two," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

After the break between sets two and three, Montana State regrouped and regained the momentum from the Cougars.

Montana State turned in 12 blocks for the match, including eight each from Natalee Godfrey and Eli Svisco. SIUE finished with eight blocks, including six from Kelsey Augustine.

SIUE nearly battled back in the fourth set, averting a match point before dropping the set 26-24.

"I was really proud of the team for how they recognized the process. You can tell we battled for every point in the fourth set," said Johnson.

Brooke Smith led SIUE with 12 kills followed by 11 from Augustine and 10 from Emma Anderson. Libero Chelsea Colclasure turned in a team-best 21 digs. The Cougars picked up some finesse kills late in the match to impede the Bobcats' blocking.

"The variety was something we were looking for. We did a good job of staying in system," she said.

Macy Page led Montana State with 14 kills followed by 13 from Svisco.

There are four matches Saturday at the Cougar Classic. Montana State faces Western Illinois at 10 a.m. SIUE meets Santa Clara at noon. Montana State and Santa Clara clash at 5 p.m. SIUE meets Western Illinois at 7 p.m.

"We're very excited about tomorrow's matches. We need to build from here. Let's recognize our weaknesses, and let's move on our strengths," Johnson said.