BOX SCORE

RICHMOND, Ky.-The Eastern Kentucky University volleyball team fell to the Cougars of SIU Edwardsville 3-2 Friday at McBrayer Arena.

SIUE won by scores of 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 18-25 and 15-13.

The opening set went back-and-forth as EKU and SIUE were tied 13 times. After seven lead changes, the Colonels took the final three points to win the first set, 25-22. Freshman Johanna Boyer landed two straight kills to give the Colonels a 23-22 lead. The Cougars were charged with two consecutive attack errors off the serves of EKU senior Marissa Tashenberg, giving the Colonels the set.

EKU built a four point lead at 14-10 in the second set, before the Cougars battled back. SIU Edwardsville took advantage of a timeout, putting together a 9-1 run to take a 19-15 lead. Eastern pulled within one, at 23-22 before the Cougars closed out the set with a kill from senior Cori Harris.

In the third, SIUE tallied nine straight points to take the set from the Colonels. Trailing 22-17, the Cougars were able to force four EKU attack errors, along with four kills and a service ace from senior Kelsey Augustine to win the set.

EKU forced the decisive fifth set, after winning the fourth, 25-18. SIUE held an early 2-1 lead, but the Colonels controlled the remainder of the set.

SIUE gained a 3-2 lead in the final set and never looked back. The Colonels kept it close, but were unable to take the edge. The Cougars sealed the victory with three straight attack errors by the Colonels.

The Colonels were led by senior Ashley Edmond and sophomore Rachel Vick. Edmond posted 17 kills and 14 digs, while Vick contributed 10 kills and 12 points.

Harris tallied 20 kills and 10 digs for SIU Edwardsville. Chelsea Colclasure had a match-best 29 digs. Kelsey Augustine led all players with five blocks.

The Colonels face Eastern Illinois (9-9, 3-2 OVC) in another OVC matchup Saturday at 2 p.m. at McBrayer Arena. The Panthers fell to OVC opponent Morehead State on Friday, 3-2.