EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball improved to 2-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play Tuesday with a straight sets victory over Eastern Illinois at the Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars, now 6-8 overall, defeated the Panthers 25-21, 25-16, 25-19.

"We're excited to be 2-1 in the conference. Our first three opponents were all West Division opponents. We feel great being 2-1 after our first three opportunities," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

SIUE next faces its first road test. The Cougars travel to Belmont Saturday for a 2 p.m. match in Nashville, Tenn. Belmont is one of six teams in the OVC East Division.

"We're going to see a good team in Belmont," Johnson noted. "I think we have confidence. I know there are things we need to improve upon. We're excited to have four full days of practice to continue to work out some kinks."

Both teams started slow with first set jitters. The Cougars managed just 10 kills while EIU picked up eight in the opening set. However, both teams put up double-digit attack errors.

SIUE, however, turned around its offense in the second set with 18 kills. Freshman Kaitlyn O'Reilly saw her first collegiate action at setter in the set, subbing in for the final five kills for the Cougars.

"I was very proud of (Kaitlyn O'Reilly) to come in with confidence and be assertive in the setter position. I was very proud of her," Johnson emphasized.

Emma Anderson provided the spark on offense for SIUE. The sophomore outside hitter rallied for seven kills in the final set and finished with a match-high 14. She hit .400 for the match and added four blocks.

"Emma Anderson had an incredible night. She was just phenomenal. It was just a really all-around well-played match," Johnson said. "What I was really pleased with is that we had one player that was outstanding and helped carry the weight when other players were working through some things."

The Cougars scored points from all over the court. Freshman Leslie Lindsey provided four kills on five attack attempts. Kelsey Augustine led the Cougars with five blocks. Cori Harris provided an untouched service ace on match point.

"(Leslie Lindsey) was just a force at the net. She made their hitters have to score around her," added Johnson.