CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE volleyball roared back from two sets down Friday but came up short in the fifth set at Austin Peay.

The Governors won the match 25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 11-25, 15-8 over the Cougars. SIUE dropped to 1-4 in the OVC and 3-12 overall while Austin Peay improved to 1-4 in the OVC and 6-14 overall.

"We were steady in sets one and two, but we weren't all out," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "In set three, we started to go all out when our backs were against the wall."

The Cougars got behind the offense of Ashley Witt and Kristen Torre, who recorded 18 and 15 kills respectively.

"It was good to see Ashley find her swing tonight," said Johnson. "She had a really nice match. I also thought she blocked better than the two for which she was credited."

Blocking was a key part of SIUE's game against the Governors as the Cougars finished with a season-high 13. Torre led the Cougars with 10, matching her career high set earlier this season against Omaha.

It was Torre's second double-double of the season with 15 kills and 10 blocks.

"Kristen was a force. She made her presence known," said Johnson. "When she was in the front row, she didn't let anyone think about anyone else."

Sophomore libero Katie Shashack captured her first career double-double. She had 13 digs and a career-best 10 assists. As the team's secondary setter, she coupled with setter Mallory Mangun's 19 digs to help propel the Cougar offense.

It was Mangun's eighth double-double of the season (37 assists, 19 digs).

The Cougars outshined Austin Peay statistically with a 56-53 edge in kills and .206-.199 in hitting percentage.

Ashley Slay led Austin Peay with 15 kills.

SIUE continues this road trip Saturday with a 7 p.m. contest at Murray State.