ST. LOUIS – In its lone exhibition match of the season, Saint Louis defeated Southern Illinois 25-21, 25-22, 25-20 Saturday afternoon at Chaifetz Pavilion.
 
The Billikens produced a strong .294 attack percentage, with five players hitting .350 or higher, and held Southern Illinois to a .218 mark. SLU earned advantages in kills (47-37), assists (47-36), digs (44-37), blocks (7-4) and service aces (8-4).
 
Saint Louis begins the regular season Friday, Aug. 30, at the A-State Invitational in Jonesboro, Ark. The Bills will take on Ole Miss (10 a.m.) and Southeast Missouri State (4 p.m.) on Friday and the host team, Arkansas State (2 p.m.) on Saturday.