ASHLAND, Ohio—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team won the battle of the Eagles Saturday as it defeated the Ashland University Eagles 30-28, 30-26, 25-30, 30-24 to complete the Ashland Invitational.

Earlier in the day, the Screaming Eagles defeated Palm Beach Atlantic University 30-25, 30-26, 28-30, 30-28.

USI (6-2) opens its GLVC schedule with its home-opener against No. 23 Rockhurst University Friday at 7 p.m. at the Physical Activities Center. The match marks the first collegiate sporting event in the PAC since its renovation this past summer.

Southern Indiana 3, Palm Beach Atlantic (2-3) 1
USI blocked its way to a 30-25, 30-26, 28-30, 30-28 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic University. Freshman middle blocker Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana) had a match-high nine blocks as the Eagles finished with 16 team blocks in the match.

Senior outside hitters Emily Ryan (Batesville, Indiana) and Chelse Doubler (Griffin, Indiana) combined for 35 kills to lead USI's offense. Doubler notched 18 kills to go with five blocks and Ryan tallied 17 kills to go with 12 digs and four blocks.

Junior setter Stephanie Wilson (Terre Haute, Indiana) finished with a match-high 44 assists to go with six kills, a .385 attacking percentage, and 12 digs. Senior right side hitter Amanda Probst (Wheeler, Illinois) led USI with 15 digs, while junior libero Cara Keever (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) added 11 digs.


Southern Indiana 3, Ashland (6-2) 1
USI opened game four with a 10-2 run and staved off a comeback bid to defeat Ashland 30-28, 30-26, 25-30, 30-24.

The Screaming Eagles saw their lead in game four shrink to two points before reeling off five straight points to take a commanding 24-17 lead. Earlier in the match, USI outlasted Ashland to pull out victories in games one and two.

Emily Ryan led USI with a match-high 21 kills to go with 17 digs, while Chelse Doubler chipped in 15 kills on an attacking clip of .389. Junior middle blocker Molly Rahman (Ferdinand, Indiana) added 12 kills, a .409 attacking percentage, and a match-high five blocks, while Stephanie Wilson finished with a match-high 53 assists to go with 17 digs.

Cara Keever led USI with 23 digs, while sophomore defensive specialist Amber Gogel (Ferdinand, Indiana) and Amanda Probst finished with 18 and 10 digs, respectively.