NORMAL, IIl. – Despite taking a hard-fought first set, the Billikens fell here Saturday afternoon, dropping a four-set match to New Mexico State (6-2).  

The first set was a back-and-forth affair that featured 14 ties and 11 lead changes, but the Billikens muscled out a 27-25 victory to take the early advantage in the weekend's final match.  

The next three sets ended in favor of the Aggies, as the Billikens dropped close second (25-22), and third (25-23) sets before the Aggies took the fourth set (25-18) and the match. SLU hit .146 on the day while New Mexico State swung for .291, with 62 kills to the Billikens' 52. 

Emily Henken tallied 18 kills on 46 attacks while Delaney Rice added 13 kills of her own. Carlie Rodgers led the Billikens defensive efforts recording a team-high 16 digs. The performances earned Henken and Rodgers spots on the Redbird Classic All-Tournament Team. 

The loss moves SLU to 6-3 on the season while a final nonconference tournament lies ahead. The Billikens will travel to the KC Roos Klassic next weekend to take on Austin Peay, SEMO and Kansas City, Sept. 15-16.  

Results 

Saint Louis 1, New Mexico State 3 (27-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18) 

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 | CEFCU Arena (Normal, Ill.)