AKRON, Ohio – SIUE volleyball left the Zips Invitational Saturday with a victory by defeating Binghamton in three sets.

SIUE improved its record to 4-5 with a 25-23, 25-18, 25-17 triumph. It was SIUE's first three-set victory of the season.

"We played really steady today," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

SIUE's passing game, according to Johnson, played a significant role in the victory. Johnson pointed to sophomore Haley Norris who gave the Cougars a lift on defense.

"She kept us alive for several points. She did a great job in her rotations," Johnson said.

SIUE senior setter Sammi Minton was named to the All-Tournament team after her strong performance against Binghamton. She picked up five kills on seven attacks, including a key deep dump in the final set.

"She was moving the ball around really well," said Johnson. "She is giving our attackers a chance to score. She is our stabilizer right now."

Emma Anderson and Kelsey Augustine led the Cougars on offense with nine kills each. SIUE finished the match with 41 kills and a .260 hitting percentage. Augustine also led SIUE with four blocks.

All six of SIUE's attackers had at least five kills.

"I was glad for the total team effort," said Johnson.

Binghamton, 1-9, hit .048 for the match and finished with 27 kills overall. Kristin Hovie led Binghamton with eight kills.

SIUE's "tournament season" is now complete. The Cougars return home to the Vadalabene Center to begin a five-match home stand. The first two matches of the home stand are non-conference clashes with Northern Illinois Friday at 6 p.m. and Evansville Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

"Our next two matches we have two good teams coming into the Vadalabene Center. We're excited about the challenge," said Johnson.