Box Score RICHMOND, Ky. - SIUE volleyball fended off four match points Saturday but dropped a five-set thriller to Eastern Kentucky 25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 10-25, 20-18.
SIUE fell to 7-17 overall and 5-9 in the Ohio Valley Conference. EKU improved to 9-21 overall and 8-6 in the OVC.
The Cougars bested the Colonels in several statistical categories with a .211 hitting percentage, 56 kills, and a season-best 14 blocks.
"It's the best we have played on the road and in back-to-back matches this season," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "I'm proud of the way the team fought tonight."
SIUE setter Mallory Mangun led the Cougars with her 14th double-double of the season. She recorded 35 assists and a career-high 22 digs. The 22 digs also were the most by any player in the match.
"Our defensive performance was the best it has been all season," added Johnson.
Six different players for the Cougars recorded at least one block. Carley Ramich topped the team with eight.
Ashley Witt and Kristen Torre powered the SIUE offense with 18 and 17 kills, respectively.
"Witt hit .200 in back-to-back matches and led in kills for both of the matches this weekend," said Johnson. "We're still working for a spot in the OVC Tournament, and we're expecting more of that from her as she continues her career."
Eastern Kentucky used a balanced offensive attack against the Cougars. Celina Sanks was tops in kills with 13 followed by 12 from Ally Peters, 11 from Rachel Vick and 10 from Johanna Boyer.
The Colonels split sets with the Cougars all match and used an 83 percent side-out percentage in the fifth set to push past SIUE.
The Cougars have one more week of play left in the regular season. This week starts with the final match of the five-match road swing Wednesday at Eastern Illinois. The first serve is set for 6 p.m. The regular season finale is Saturday at the Vadalabene Center against Belmont. Match time is 2 p.m. as the Cougars celebrate Senior Day.
