ST. LOUIS - The Billiken volleyball team suffered a tough loss to Auburn, 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22). Freshman Mallory Dillon had a terrific debut with 20 kills and a .359 attack percentage. The record for most kills in a match at Chaifetz Arena is 22 by Alyssa Deno against Iowa in 2010. Sophomore Meredith Boe also turned in a great performance, notching 30 assists. 

In the first set, SLU was able to put together a six-point run late in the set to draw the score to 19-21, but the Tigers held on for a 25-21 win. Dillon had nine kills on 13 attempts with no errors in the first.

The second set was a back-and-forth affair. Saint Louis drew the score even four times in the frame and Auburn never had more than a four-point lead. Dillon again led the Bills at the net with five kills in the set. Sophomore libero Anna Church was strong on the back line, recording seven digs. 

The Tiger attack was very strong in the final set. Auburn hit .324 in the third set. The Billiken duo of Dillon (six kills on 15 attacks) and Danielle Rygelski (five kills on nine attacks) answered the Tigers at every turn. Late in the set, the score was even at 21 apiece. Two quick points put SLU in a hole, but a kill from Dillon but the Bills back in the game at 22-23. However, Auburn finished the match with two more kills. 

Dillon's 20 kills are the most by a Billiken since Lauren Baumet recorded 21 against SEMO on Sept. 8, 2012. It is the second-highest three-set total recorded by a Billiken since 2008 (Andrea Beaty had 21 against Dayton on Nov. 13, 2011).

Saint Louis returns to action tomorrow, Aug. 31 against ULM (noon start) and No. 10 Nebraska (7 p.m.).