The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team cleared a major hurdle Saturday afternoon as it defeated Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 3-1, at the Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Screaming Eagles, who have won seven consecutive matches and taken over sole possession of first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Green Division, improve to 18-6 overall and 7-2 in the GLVC while the Cougars fall to 16-9 overall and 6-3 in the GLVC.
USI hit .375 to overcome a blistering SIUE attack and win the first game 30-27. The Cougars stormed back to win the second game, 30-28, and tie the match at 1-1.
After winning the third game, 30-25, the Eagles hit .459 in the fourth game to claim a 30-22 victory and close the door on any SIUE comeback attempts.
Senior outside hitter
Shannon Wells (Merrillville, Indiana) hit .353 and recorded a match-high 25 kills, 19 digs, and 7 service aces. Fellow classmate
Kristina Kavanaugh (Montgomery, Indiana) recorded 16 kills, 7 digs, and a .342 attacking percentage in the winning effort.
Junior setter
Kim Boehmer (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a match-high 62 assists to lead the USI offensive to a .298 attacking percentage in the match. Boehmer also contributed 17 digs as the Eagles won for the ninth time in 10 tries.
Senior right side hitter
Greta Grinstead (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) and sophomore middle blocker
Leeanne Gross (Decatur, Indiana) each dished in 11 kills.
The Eagles will return home for the final five matches of the regular season, starting with Bellarmine University next Friday, November 1. USI will host Northern Kentucky University Saturday, November 2, for what could be the right to host the GLVC Tournament. Friday's match is slated for a 6 p.m. start while Saturday's contest is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
