HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – SIUE boasted its best offensive match of the early season Saturday at the Northern Kentucky Volleyball Invitational.

The Cougars, 3-4, hit .350 as a team in a four-set win over Samford. SIUE won the match 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23. Earlier in the day, SIUE and host Northern Kentucky played to a five-set thriller with the Cougars falling 25-18, 21-25, 25-9, 23-25, 15-9.

Kristen Torre turned in the top offensive performance of her career with 18 kills on 27 attacks against Samford. She tied teammate Ashley Witt for the team lead in blocks with six.

"Kristen was pretty exceptional," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "It was great to see her respond. I think our ball control aided in her success."

The Cougars pounded out 58 kills in the four sets against Samford, including 15 from Witt and 10 from Emily Harrison.

Johnson said Witt is quickly developing into a key player in SIUE's offense.

"She is becoming someone we want to get the ball to this season," said Johnson. "During the match, she was demanding the ball which is exciting to see."

SIUE recorded 11 blocks against Samford and nine in Saturday's earlier match with Northern Kentucky. Johnson said the Cougars will continue to make progress on their blocking game at the net.

"Now it's something we can turn into a strength," said added.

The Cougars now have a week to prepare for their next tournament. SIUE has its first action at the Vadalabene Center this season Friday with a 7 p.m. match against Southern Utah. The Cougar Classic features five teams and a three-day tournament. The field includes Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Arkansas State, and Indiana State.

Johnson said the focus this week in practice will be on repeating positive play from point to point.

"We put together back-to-back great touches and points in the Samford match and want to continue that," she said.