EVANSVILLE, Ind.---In a match where the Screaming Eagles fell behind early, University of Southern Indiana Volleyball stormed back to win in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-20, over Saint Joseph's College on Saturday afternoon at the Physical Activities Center.

USI (16-7) jumped out early in the first set to own a 13-7 advantage before the Pumas roared back to win 14 of the next 16 points. The Eagles and Pumas traded points back and forth before Saint Joseph's (7-15) captured the set 25-23.

USI saw an early lead evaporate for the second-straight set in set two. The Eagles, trailing 14-11, refused to take part in a repeat of the first set. Down three points, USI manufactured a 14-6 run to close the half and knot the match at a set a piece.


Setting the tone late in the second set, the Eagles dominated the third set 25-15. USI held a slight 15-13 lead after a small run by the Pumas. The Eagles got a kill from sophomore Amy Zwissler ignited USI to a 7-0 run and a 10-2 run to close the set. In the third set, the Eagles limited Saint Joseph's to a -.071 hitting percentage.

In the fourth set, the Puma would not go quietly, as Saint Joseph's matched the Eagles nearly point for point en route to a 16-15 Puma's advantage. Finding success in surges, USI found a 5-0 run to establish some breathing room. Leading 20-16, the Eagles and Pumas would exchange blows before USI secured the 25-20 fourth set victory.

The balanced Eagles' attack produced three players with double-digit kills. Sophomore Shelbi Morris led the way with 16 kills and 11 digs and a .394 hitting percentage, while Zwissler tallied 14 kills and senior Abbey Winter amassed 12 kills on a .455 hitting percentage. Freshman Erika Peoples continued her strong play with eight kills and 45 assists in the victory.

As a team, the Eagles hit .315 and racked up 10 blocks, while Saint Joseph's hit just .167 for the match.
 
The victory is USI head coach Leah Mercer's 200^th win at the helm of the Eagles. The all-time winningest coach in USI history, Mercer has compiled a 200-133 record.

The Eagles are next in action on Tuesday when USI hosts Midwest Region foe Trevecca Nazarene University at the PAC at 6 pm. USI hits the road next weekend for a pair of conference contests. The Eagles open the weekend with a Friday night showdown with Drury University in Springfield, Missouri before taking on Missouri S&T on Saturday afternoon in Rolla, Missouri.