EVANSVILLE, Ind. – SIUE volleyball saw moments of strong play but not enough to overcome Valparaiso and Memphis at the final day of the UE Invitational.

The Cougars, 2-7, lost to Valparaiso 25-16, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20 and then dropped a second four-set decision to Memphis 23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-21.

"This is the most physical tournament we have been in and will be in this season," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

SIUE's defense held up at the UE Tournament. Chelsea Colclasure, a junior libero, improved her defensive numbers and averaged 5.58 digs per set for the weekend.

Johnson said SIUE's middle hitters stood out for the weekend. Kristen Torre boasted 26 kills and led the team in hitting percentage for the weekend at .288. Senior Kelsey Augustine was the team leader in kills (27) and blocks per set (1.08).

"It's also an indication that our ball control is getting more consistent," said Johnson.

Cori Harris provided much of the offensive punch Saturday. She recorded a team-leading 13 kills against Memphis, now 6-3, and tied Augustine for the team lead in kills (10) against Valparaiso, 8-1.

The Cougars return to the Vadalabene Center for a single game against Kansas City Tuesday. The first serve is set for 6 p.m.

All-Tournament Team

Evansville:

#13- Ashley Ring

#8- Rachel TenHoor

Memphis:

#12 Viktorija Teivane

#16 Aleksandra Petronijevic

SIUE:

#2- Cori Harris

#6- Kelsey Augustine 

Valpo:

#1-Emily Campbell

#3-Morgan Beil