Sept. 23, 2003

Final Stats

Peoria, Ill. - Despite a career-high tying17 kills from Ashley Hunter, the Saint Louis University volleyball team was edged 3-0 by Bradley on Tuesday in Peoria, Ill. Game scores were 30-28, 30-28, 31-29.

"It was a disappointing loss because we had our chances to win a road match," head coach Marilyn Nolen said. "We had more digs and outblocked them but we just could not get the points late. We need to be able to close out games to win matches."

Bradley held a lead for most of game one and appeared to be in control with a late three-point lead. The Billikens scored three straight to tie the game at 28-28. However, the Braves scored the last two points on a kill and SLU error to take the win. In game two, the Billikens jumped out to a big lead, only to see Bradley rally late and earn another tight win. Bradley chipped into the SLU lead and, for the second straight game, the contest was tied at 28. Unfortunately, the Braves again scored the final two points for yet another 30-28 lead. Bradley took control of game three before the Billikens cameback. For the third straight game, the tilt was tied at 28-28. Each team scored one point, but Bradley ended the match with two more points to earn the narrow victory.

The Billikens had 17 more digs than the Braves as well as holding the edge in blocking. But, the Braves had a .270 hitting percentage, while the Bills were at .242. Ashley Hunter tied her career high with a match-high 17 kills to pace the Billikens. Kayla Kmitta had 11 kills, hit .409 and added five blocks. Erin McClanahan dished out a season-best 48 assists. Ann Franklin led three Braves in double figure kills with 14.

The Billikens fall to 6-10 overall while Bradley is now 4-10. The Billikens are off until next Tue, Sept. 30, when they host Tennessee-Martin at 6 p.m. at Bauman-Eberhardt Center. The match will be televised live by Charter Communications in St. Louis.