EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team could not convert on three game-point opportunities as it fell to No. 14 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 30-19, 31-29, 28-30, 33-31 Saturday at the Physical Activities Center.

USI (5-4, 1-1 GLVC) had a game-point opportunity in game two, but could not convert as the Cougars (8-3, 1-0 GLVC) won three straight points to push its match-lead to two games.

In game three, the Screaming Eagles jumped out to a five-point lead early on then held off a late SIUE-surge to gain the win and draw to within a game in the match.

After jumping out to a 16-13 lead in game four, the Eagles saw SIUE reel off seven straight points to gain a commanding 20-16 advantage. The Eagles eventually fell behind 29-24, but fought off five straight match-point opportunities to take a 30-29 lead.

SIUE, however, fought off a pair of game-point situations (30-29 and 31-30) to close the match out in four games and record is 31st consecutive regular-season GLVC win.

Freshman outside hitter Brittani Oliver (Indianapolis, Indiana) led the Eagles with 17 kills, while junior libero Amber Gogel (Ferdinand, Indiana) had a team-high 25 digs. Senior setter Stephanie Wilson (Terre Haute, Indiana) added 45 assists and 19 digs in the loss.

Sophomore middle blocker Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana) came off the bench to record 11 kills and a match-high eight blocks, while sophomore outside hitter Courtney Bealor (LaPorte, Indiana) added 14 kills and 13 digs. Sophomore right side hitter/setter Melanie Pund (Ferdinand, Indiana) finished with 11 digs.

USI (5-4, 1-1 GLVC) returns to action Tuesday when it travels to Tiffin, Ohio, to take on Tiffin University in a Great Lakes Region match. The Eagles return to GLVC play next Friday when they travel to Rolla, Missouri, to take on the University of Missouri-Rolla.