EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  -  SIUE volleyball dropped their Ohio Valley Conference opener on Friday night, falling in a 3-0 decision to the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.

The Cougars held the Golden Eagles to a .171 hitting percentage in the opening set, forcing TTU into eight attacking errors; however, SIUE could not overcome their own offensive woes, hitting a match-low .000 in the opening set and dropping the set, 25-21. The second frame saw the Cougars fall behind early, with TTU opening the set on a 8-0 run. Following a timeout, SIUE would storm back, recording a team-best 11 kills. The opening scoring run from the Golden Eagles would prove too much, as the Cougars fell 25-18 in the second. The third set was a back-and-forth affair throughout, with neither squad gaining the edge. Superb efforts from freshmen Gabi Andrade and Ainsley Ranstead kept the Cougars in the match, but their efforts would not be enough to overcome the Golden Eagles' front line and SIUE would narrowly drop the third set, 25-20.

As a team, SIUE notched a trio of service aces and nine total blocks. The Cougars also recorded 39 digs, narrowly edged by TTU's 43. Individually, SIUE was led by Savannah Christian, who registered a team-high seven kills and hit at a .222 clip. Annie Ellis and Julia Treichel both recorded six kills, while Alyse Drifka once again led the Red & White with 19 assists.

The Cougars will return to action tomorrow afternoon, hosting the series finale against Tennessee Tech. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. at First Community Arena, and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.