The Skyhawks come into the match at 5-5, but are currently riding a four-match losing streak after dropping matches against Murray State and Southeast Missouri.

Sydney Hummert led the Cougar attack, notching 14 kills and recording an outstanding .433 hitting percentage; however, it was Savannah Christian who would lead the Red & White in hitting percentage, recording 10 kills to hit for a .444 clip.

 

Last Monday's match ran a bit longer than the first - after convincingly taking the opening set, 25-10, and taking the second set, 25-22, EKU stormed back to draw even with victories in the third and fourth sets. The match would come down to a deciding fifth set, which the Cougars would narrowly take, 15-12.

 

SIUE volleyball freshman outside hitter Sydney Hummert was named Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week on Wednesday morning, the league announced.

 

Hummert helped the Cougars earn a series sweep at Eastern Kentucky last Sunday and Monday, earning 35 kills (4.38/set), good for a .443 hitting percentage. Hummert also notches 20 digs (2.5/set) and 36.5 points.

 

This is Hummert's first conference-level award and the team's second in the Spring 2021 season - the last came during the week ending February 8th, when redshirt sophomore Savannah Christian earned an OVC Co-Defensive Player of the Week nod.

 

The Cougars "took over" the NCAA Volleyball Instagram account on February 18, putting the SIUE volleyball program in front of the nearly 350,000 Instagram users who follow @NCAAVolleyball. The Cougars had the unique opportunity to showcase a typical day as student-athletes at SIUE and engage with volleyball fans from across the country.

Brookfield, Wisconsin

 

 

The Ohio Valley Conference and its 12 member institutions decided to play a conference-only schedule this season, which will see teams play back-to-back matches on 

consecutive days against the same opponent.

 

Coach Paulus' thoughts on the new scheduling format:

"I'm really excited to play back-to-back on consecutive days against the same opponent because I think we can handle adjustments really well. I think we'll be able to make 

changes from Sunday to Monday well because of how many veterans we have on this squad."

 

In any season, veteran players play a critical role in keeping their team calm and collected, regardless of what the opponent throws their way. That role is made even more essential in a season such as this, where preparing for unexpected is crucial to the success of any team or individual.

 

Fortunately, the Cougars have an abundance of returning players, having graduated just four from last season.

 

Coach Paulus on how she expects the returning players to impact the game:

"I expect the returners to help us stay confident and being able to expect the unexpected. If they can keep us calm when we come into some chaotic situations, I think the rest of the team will respond really well."