DENVER, Colo. – SIUE Volleyball opened the Denver Invitational Thursday with a four-set loss to the host Denver squad. The Cougars came out strong, controlling the entirety of the first set before the Pioneers rallied to take the next three sets to ultimately claim the victory.
SIUE finished the match with 40 kills on 36 assists and added seven service aces. The Cougars also maintained their impressive play at the net, recording 11 total blocks.
Anika Ivester continues to shine for the Cougars early in the season, leading the team in points (15), kills (8), blocks (7), service aces (3) through four sets today vs. the Pioneers.
Kennedy Pike also provided a solid showing offensively, finishing with eight kills while hitting .389 for the match.
Denver was led by Jamia Johnson and Quinlan Jones, who combined for 29 kills to guide the Pioneers past SIUE.
SIUE volleyball will return to action Friday against Marist University for their second match of the Denver Invitational at 4 p.m. CT.
