EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball returned to action on Friday night inside First Community Arena as the Cougars dropped a 3-0 decision in straight sets against Eastern Illinois. The set scores were: 16-25, 25-27, and 17-25.
SIUE falls to 12-14 overall and 6-9 against conference opponents. EIU, who boasts the best record in the OVC this season, improves to 23-3 and 13-2.
The opening frame played back and forth, featuring 10 ties and four lead changes, until the Panthers grabbed six of the last seven points to take an early 1-0 advantage. Similar to the first set, neither side was able to grab an edge until match point, as EIU rattled off three consecutive points to take the second set, 27-25. In the third knotted up at 17, Eastern Illinois used 8-0 run to take the set, 25-17 and the match.
SIUE concluded the match with a .133 attack percentage on 32 kills and 98 swings. EIU wrapped the contest with a .273 clip while outblocking the Cougars 7-6.
"Offensively, Eastern Illinois had a high hitting percentage," said Head Coach Kendall Paulus. "Defensively, we were right there with them in blocking and digs. We just got stuck in a few of their rotations. Knowing we hung with a strong offensive team defensively made me feel really good about our defensive capabilities."
Inside the Numbers:
"I feel confident going into tomorrow after being able to go back and look at their rotations," added Paulus.
Up Next: The Cougars and Panthers will square off tomorrow, Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m. SIUE will celebrate eight student-athletes on the program's senior day.
Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEVolleyball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
