Edwardsville, Ill. – First Community Arena was electric as SIUE volleyball secured their first home win. The Cougars (2-5) defeat Chattanooga (6-2) in four sets. UTC won the first set 25-21, but SIUE responded taking the final three sets 29-27, 26-18,25-23.
 
As a team, SIUE recorded eight total blocks, 51 assists and 76 digs. Both SIUE and Chattanooga had 60 total kills. Chattanooga had 171 total attempts with a .211 percentage, compared to the Cougars' 150 total attempts at a .280 clip.
 
Middle blocker Nicole Medlin led the team with 14 kills with a .500 hitting percentage. She also contributed three solo blocks and two block assists gaining the team 18 total points in the match. Right side hitter Kyndia Smith followed with 11 total kills out of 27 attempts. Smith hit at a .259 percentage. Outside Bree Schreimann had 10 total kills, one service ace and two block assists.
 
On the defensive side Ainsley Ranstead (OH) led the team with 20 digs and three service aces. Ranstead contributed eight kills as well. Olivia Hogan, the designated setter, recorded 17 digs and two service aces.
 
Alyse Drifka, setter for the cougars, led the team with 25 assists, followed by Corinna Jones with 19 sets.
 
Up next the Cougars take on Murray State in First Community Arena their home court. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+