NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State lined up 49 kills Saturday and defeated SIUE volleyball 30-28, 25-14, 25-12 at Kean Hall.

"They (Tennessee State) got better as the match went on," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "They played phenomenal defense." The Tigers also finished the match with 58 digs.

Tennessee State improved to 7-9 overall and 2-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Cougars dropped to 3-11 overall and 1-3 in the OVC.

SIUE's Taylor Joens hit a strong .240 on the outside with seven kills and just one error. Kristen Torre led the Cougar offense with eight kills.

"She (Joens) had a nice match and swung well from the back row," said Johnson.

Chloe Watson led Tennessee State with 18 kills while Haley Hampton added 10 off the bench.

This was the first of three straight road contests for the Cougars. SIUE travels to Austin Peay and Murray State next Friday and Saturday. Johnson said that being on the road means the Cougars will have to execute their offense cleaner.

"It's a factor that has to be considered, but it can't be an excuse," added Johnson.