DEKALB, Ill. - SIUE volleyball defeated Merrimack in five sets earlier today (19-25,25-17,13-25, 25-15, 15-10), but fell to Northern Illinois in three sets (25-22, 27-25, 27-25)
 
The Cougars advance to 2-4 on the season.
 
In the first game of the day, the Cougars had a strong showing against Merrimack with 48 kills, nine aces, 14 blocks, 82 digs compared to Merrimacks 37 kills, seven aces, 11 blocks and 81 digs.
 
Ally Hughes had another big game with her third double-double of her career, tallying 17 assists and 14 digs. Kennedy Pike and Sophie Robinson matched each other with nine kills.
 
Merrimack was led by Aubrey Baker with 10 kills and Sophia DeBonis with 13 kills.
 
Against NIU the cougars put had 47 kills, four blocks, and 53 digs compared to NIU's 42 kills, six blocks, 28 assists and 39 digs.
 
The Cougars were led by Robinson with 16 kills, Paige Bernsteing with 22 assists and Olivia Hogan with 15 digs.
 
NIU was led by Emma McCartney who had 11 kills, Ella Strausberger with 17 assists and Ava Grevengoed with 12 digs.
 
NIU also released an all tournament team including three SIUE players. 

MVP: Autumn Flynn (NIU) 
Rylea Alvin (NIU)
Alexa Hayes (NIU) 
Ava Grevengoed (NIU)
Sophie Robinson (SIUE) 
Olivia Hogan (SIUE)
Vienna Elliot (SIUE) 
Kira Holland (Ind. State)
Ava Robart (Ind. State) 
Aubrey Baker (Merrimack) 

Up next, the Cougars return home for the SIUE Cougar Classic where they will host Austin Peay, Seattle and Air Force.