KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dylynn Otte hit .361 for the day with a team-leading 16 kills, but the SIUE volleyball team was defeated on opening day of the Kangaroo Klassic.

Providence bested SIUE Friday 25-23, 26-24, 25-15, and UMKC topped the Cougars 27-25, 25-17, 25-17.

"Dylynn was really reliable for us," said SIUE Head Coach Kendall Paulus. "When we needed to put the ball away, she became the go-to. She had a whole other level tonight."

Otte recorded a team-best 10 kills against UMKC. She also finished with four blocks on the day, one behind team leader Annie Ellis.

"She has the capability, but for her to put perform in back-to-back matches at this level was something we hadn't seen yet," added Paulus.

Grace Hurst stepped up in the UMKC match with a career-best 13 digs, starting in the libero position.

"She came up with a lot of heads-up plays that we were able to sustain some long rallies," said Paulus. "She was super steady in the serve receive line."

Just two points decided three of SIUE's sets Friday. There were 31 times during the day that the Cougars were tied with their opponent.

SIUE, 0-8, closes out the Kangaroo Klassic Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. match against Arkansas State.