EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball took the series finale against Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon at First Community Arena. The Cougars needed all five sets to down the Tigers, with set scores of 25-26, 17-25, 17-25, 25-23, and 15-10.
SIUE improves to 12-11 overall and 6-6 against Ohio Valley Conference opponents. Tennessee State falls to 2-20 and 6-6.
"We approach each game set by set," Head Coach Kendall Paulus said. "We focus on the present. We knew Tennessee State is a good blocking team. They are a well-coached team and don't back down until the final whistle."
The Cougars concluded the match with a .199 attack percentage while holding the Tigers to a .155 clip. Four SIUE student-athletes registered multiple service aces as SIUE concluded the game in double-figures with 10.
"We want to serve tough," added Paulus. "We know that errors come with that. Last night we had six aces with eight errors, and we wanted to improve that mark today."
Inside the Numbers:
- Priscilla Jones paced the Cougars' attack with 14 kills on a .393 attack percentage. She also led SIUE at the net with three total blocks.
- Sydney Hummert tallied her 11th double-double of the season with 13 kills and a team-high 18 digs.
- Savannah Christian contributed a season-high 10 kills. She also added one block.
- The setting duo of Alyse Drifka and Corinna Jones combined for 44 assists. Drifka led the way with 25 while Jones added 19.
- Drifka concluded the match with 10 digs, good for her 13th double-double of the season. Freshman Abi Banitt tallied 16 digs.
- At the service line, Corinna Jones tied a career high and led SIUE with three service aces. Banitt, Drifka, and Hummert each added a pair.
- Chelsey Abel finished the contest with seven kills and a pair of blocks.
Up Next: SIUE travels to Morehead State for a weekend series, beginning on Friday, Nov. 2 at 5:00 PM CT.
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEVolleyball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
