EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE volleyball hand Air Force their first loss in a five-set thriller at First Community Arena.
The Cougars took charge in sets one and two (25-19,25-23), but the Falcons rallied to even the match with wins in sets three and four (25-20,25-22). SIUE held firm in the decisive fifth, closing out the victory 15-12.
Earlier in the day, the cougars also battled to a five-set win over Austin Peay (25-12,20-25,15-25,25-18,15-11).
With the two victories SIUE improves to 4-4 in their season. Air Force falls to 7-1, while Austin Peay goes to 1-6 on the season.
Graduate student
Kyndia Smith powered the Cougars against Air force with a career-high-tying 19 kills. Junior
Vienna Elliott dominated at the net with seven blocks, while
Sophie Robinson recorded her third double-double with 15 kills and 17 digs.
As a team, SIUE posted a season-high 16 blocks along with 59 kills, eight aces and 55 assists. Air force finished with 60 kills, nine aces, 10 blocks and 52 assists.
In the morning match, SIUE led the attach with 52 kills, and 11 aces compared to the Governors 46 kills, and eight aces.
Up next, the Cougars play Seattle at 1:30 pm Saturday.
