CHICAGO – SIUE volleyball completed the nonconference season Saturday at the UIC Invitational with a 7-4 record after dropping a 25-14, 25-19, 25-23 match to Bowling Green.

The Cougars' six-match winning streak came to an end as Bowling Green improved to 9-3 this season.

"We started our flat today, but as for most of the tournament we controlled our side of the net well," said SIUE Head Coach Leah Johnson.

SIUE entered Saturday with two wins in the tournament, including a victory over host UIC which had been previously undefeated.

"It was interesting being the team with a target on our back," said Johnson.

Taylor Joens, who led the Cougars with eight kills against Bowling Green, finished the tournament with a team-leading 34. She was named to the All-Tournament team for the second straight week.

Isabel Kovacic and Jelena Sunjic led Bowling Green with 10 kills each.

SIUE also stepped up its defense in the tournament with 18.73 digs per set, including a team-leading 5.45 digs per set from libero Katie Shashack. Carley Ramich also led the blocking for the Cougars with 1.36 per set and 15 total in three matches. Joens, Taylor Held and Emily Harrison each had nine for the tournament.

"We are strong in a lot of statistical categories," said Johnson. "I want us to get into the mindset that we need to continue to improve."

SIUE will open the Ohio Valley Conference season Wednesday as it plays host to Eastern Illinois in a 6 p.m. match at the Vadalabene Center.