EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – MacKenzie Roddy led all players with 12 kills Friday as Northern Illinois upended SIUE in college volleyball action 25-18, 25-18, 25-16 at the Vadalabene Center. 

SIUE dropped to 4-6 as it opened a five-match home stand at the Vadalabene Center.

SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson said the Cougars had a good game plan but were not able to execute it against the 8-6 Huskies. The Cougars now will turn their focus to next week when the team plays three matches.

"They're excited for the opportunity to come back Tuesday against Evansville. We'll get after it tomorrow in practice," said Johnson. The Cougars will welcome Evansville for a 7 p.m. match in the team's final non-conference tilt of the season. After the Evansville match, SIUE opens the Ohio Valley Conference season next Friday and Saturday with home matches against UT Martin and Southeast Missouri.

Johnson said the play of middle blocker Kristen Torre was impressive. The Cougar freshman led the team with 10 kills, no errors, and a .417 hitting percentage.

"That's a phenomenal match for a freshman to put on your shoulders. I was really proud of her," Johnson added.

Northern Illinois finished with 40 kills in the match led by Roddy and 10 from Justine Schepler. SIUE, however, outblocked NIU with the Cougars' Kelsey Augustine leading the way with four.

"We focused on that (blocking) this week. We wanted our blocking to improve so it would make it easier for our defense, and that was the case," Johnson said.