EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  -  SIUE volleyball made quick work of the visiting Murray State Racers on Sunday evening, earning a 3-0 win to sweep the season series over the Racers and improve to 4-2 on the season.

The Cougars earned straight set victories, winning 25-13, 25-20, 28-26, thanks to another balanced team performance that saw SIUE lead Murray State in kills, hitting percentage, digs, and blocks.  

"We love that we got better from yesterday," said Head Coach Kendall Paulus.

Paulus also spoke to the decisive advantage in team blocks over the Racers, saying "Blocking was huge. We believe we are typically a good blocking team, but we knew we could be better there." The Cougars recorded 15 total blocks, compared to just three for Murray State.

SIUE was led by Edwardsville native Annie Ellis, who notched nine kills and seven total blocks, and freshman Sydney Hummert, who recorded eight kills, seven digs, and five total blocks. Savannah Christian, Hope Everett, and Rachel McDonald each posted seven kills, while Jordyn Klein once again led all players with 29 digs. Sarah Armendariz also contributed 29 assists and three total blocks. 

"Every single person gave full effort," said Paulus. "Not just on the court, but also the sideline. We had fun we were engaged, and felt unified. It was so fun to be a Cougar this weekend, really proud."

The Cougars will play away from First Community Arena for the next two weekends, starting with a trip to reigning Ohio Valley Conference champion Southeast Missouri on February 28.