EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball started the Ohio Valley Conference season on a positive note Friday night with a 25-23, 16-25, 25-15, 27-29, 15-12 victory over Jacksonville State at the Vadalabene Center.

"Winning is the perfect confidence booster," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "We hit .225. We were effective. We were efficient. We were aggressive."

The Cougars improved to 1-0 in the OVC and 3-8 overall.

Kristen Torre continued her dominance of Jacksonville State with 24 kills and a .457 hitting percentage against the Gamecocks, 7-9, 0-1 in the OVC. Torre's career high is 29 against Jacksonville State set last season.

Ashley Witt was equally as strong with a career-high 21 kills and four blocks.

"I knew she was averaging four or five a set," said Johnson. "She was a beast to say the least. Front row or back row -- she was always an option. We've been implementing her in our offense more and more, but to see her takeover was great. There were moments where she'd look at Mallory (Mangun) and say 'set me again.' That's what you're wanting."

Witt started on a hot streak right away against the Gamecocks with eight kills in the opening set. After Jacksonville State evened it one set apiece, the Cougars rebounded with a fierce third set with five kills each from Witt and Torre.

Johnson said the Cougars showed resilience and maturity even in sets it did not win.

"Even set four, we lost, but we held off several set points. It was awesome balance, and we really kept our wits about us. I was really impressed," Johnson said.

SIUE's offense took over the match in set five with 12 kills.

"It's always going to come down to our side of the net," said Johnson. "We're going to do a few things strategically against any opponent, but we have to execute regardless of who is on the other side of the net."

SIUE returns to the court Saturday for a 2 p.m. matchup against Tennessee Tech at the Vadalabene Center. With a donation of three (3) non-perishable items, all fans can gain free admission, sponsored by the Main Street Community Center. All of the food items will be donated to the Glen Ed Pantry.

"Now can we repeat it?" asked Johnson of a Cougar victory. "That's going to be a difference through the whole season."