EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball opened the 2015 home season with Southeastern Conference opponent Arkansas at the Vadalabene Center Friday, and Head Coach Leah Johnson found positives all around.

"I'm really encouraged," she said. "I'm so proud of the Cougars. You always want to win, but when you fight every single point, it's encouraging. Arkansas had to work for every single point. I like how our side of the net performed."

Arkansas, 4-1, defeated the Cougars 25-20, 25-18, 25-20. The Razorbacks also defeated Louisiana Tech earlier in the day in three sets. Northern Kentucky won the other match played at the Cougar Classic Friday, defeating Louisiana Tech in four sets.

The Cougars, 1-3, were lifted by sophomore outside hitter Ashley Witt, who came off the bench for a team-leading eight kills.

"One of the challenges we put on our team is if you are coming off the bench we expect them to be a game changer," said Johnson.

Arkansas managed 42 kills but ended the match with exactly the same number of attack errors (19) as the Cougars.

The Razorbacks were led by 12 kills from Pilar Victoria while Chanell Clark-Bibbs added nine.

Johnson said the Cougars head into day two of the Cougar Classic feeling like they are improving every match.

"Our goal is to be better every single day. Every day we have been," she added.

The Cougars have two matches Saturday beginning with Louisiana Tech at noon and Northern Kentucky at 7 p.m.