NASHVILLE, Tenn. – SIUE volleyball closed out the month of October with its sixth straight victory with a 25-21, 25-22, 29-27 road triumph Saturday over Belmont.

The Cougars improved to 17-6 overall with a 10-2 record in Ohio Valley Conference play. SIUE also improved to 9-0 this season on opponent's home courts.

Even with a winning streak, the Cougars have continued to improved. As a team, SIUE hit .299 for the week.

"That's our goal," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson. "It's to be better each week."

Taylor Joens sparked the Cougar offense with 13 kills and a .440 hitting percentage. The Cougar junior hit .553 for the week.

"She had a really good match," noted Johnson.

Johnson said the five kills each from Carley Ramich and Taylor Held also were instrumental as Cougar setters Samantha Knight and Mallory Mangun were able to spread out the offensive attack.

"We're able to be truly balanced," said Johnson. As a team, the Cougars finished with 43 kills and collected 56 digs. Katie Shashack led the defense with 14 digs.

SIUE recorded blocks on the final two points of the match. Ramich and Held put the Cougars ahead 28-27 in the final set with a block, and Ashley Witt picked up a solo block for the match winner.

"We had blocked a lot of balls they covered," said Johnson. However, the Bruins, now 12-11 overall and 6-6 in OVC play, were unable to cover the blocks on the match-winning points.

SIUE now returns home for its final two regular season contests at the Vadalabene Center. The Cougars play Southeast Missouri Friday at 7 p.m. followed by UT Martin Saturday at 2 p.m.