EVANSVILLE, Ind. – SIUE dropped a five-set decision against Southern Indiana. The Cougars and Screaming Eagles split the first two sets (25-22, 25-18) before the Cougars claimed the third set (25-22). USI solidified their win in sets four and five (25-18,15-10).
 
The Cougars fell to 11-10 overall and 6-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play while the Screaming Eagles advanced to 10-11 overall and 6-3 in OVC play.
 
Kyndia Smith led the team with 17 digs, while Sophie Robinson recorded her fourth consecutive double-double of 14 kills and 18 digs. Paige Bernstein also had a double-double with 29 assists and 19 digs. Ally Hughes contributed 19 assists, and Olivia Hogan had 24 digs.
 
As a team USI dominated the net with 61 kills, and 56 assists. They also posted three aces, nine blocks, and 78 digs. SIUE led with eight aces and 12 blocks while tallying 58 kills, 52 assists and 76 digs, a single season high.
 
USI was led by Carley Wright with 18 kills and Ashby Willis who had 17 kills and 14 digs.
 
The Cougars remain in Evansville for game two against USI tomorrow. First serve is set for 2 p.m.