Box Score CHARLESTON, Ill. – SIUE volleyball went to five sets for the 10th time this season, and Eastern Illinois outlasted the Cougars 20-25, 22-25, 25-11, 27-25, 15-10.
The Cougars dropped to 7-18 overall and 5-10 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Eastern Illinois avoided the upset and improved to 16-13 overall and 11-4 in the OVC.
It was the sixth time this season and the second straight match that SIUE has played to five sets.
"We were playing hard, but we were losing our legs. It's unfortunate," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.
Kristen Torre nearly turned in a double-double for the Cougars with match highs in kills with 18 and blocks with nine. SIUE outblocked the Panthers 13-9 for the match.
"Everyone gave a great effort and fought for the win," said Johnson. "It just came down to critical points."
Chelsea Lee led three EIU players in double figures kills. She finished with 23 for the Panthers.
EIU's defense recorded 105 digs, which is well above its season average of 15.1 digs per set.
"They played great defense. That's a trademark of their team," added Johnson.
The Cougars also were strong on defense with 80 digs led by 22 from Katie Shashack. Mallory Mangun added her 15th double-double of the season with 44 and 12 digs.
"Katie had one of her better nights on defense and with ball control," said Johnson. "Mallory played a great game on defense."
SIUE returns home Saturday for the regular season finale. The first serve for the Belmont-SIUE match is set for 1 p.m. at the Vadalabene Center. Torre, Kaitlyn O'Reilly and Leslie Lindsey will be honored by the Cougars.
