EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The Cougars defeated Lindenwood in a 3-1 victory (25-23, 27-25, 25-18, 25-22). SIUE won the first two sets, before faltering in the third. The crowd in the arena brought the energy to support the Cougars in the fourth and final set.
 
Middle Nicole Medlin hit a new single-game high and became the first player to record a hitting percentage above .600 since the 2021 season. Medlin delivered a standout performance with 15 kills out of 23 attempts, hitting at a .609 clip.
 
This game featured a total of 22 runs between both teams. In the first set, the Cougars had the longest run, where SIUE had a run of seven consecutive points.
 
Kyndia Smith and Ainsley Ranstead contributed 11 kills over the four sets, while Sydney Hummert tallied13 kills and 14 digs.
 
Both setters saw action, with Corinna Jones contributing 25 assists and Alyse Drifka adding 26. On defense, Gabi Andrade had a stellar performance with 14 digs.
 
Up next, the Cougars face off with Lindenwood again Saturday afternoon. First serve is set for 3:00 p.m. at First Community Arena.