JONESBORO, Ark. – Behind a 27-kill, 11-dig double-double from
Addy Brus, Saint Louis overcame a narrow first-set loss and defeated Southeast Missouri State 3-1 Friday afternoon on day one of Arkansas State's A-State Invitational.
Earlier in the day, the Billikens fell 3-0 to Ole Miss in their season opener.
Saint Louis def. Southeast Missouri State 24-26, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16
Set 1 – After SEMO jumped out to a 6-2 advantage, Saint Louis chipped away and took its first lead at 10-9. The Redhawks scored the next two points to regain the lead, but the Billikens caught fire with an 8-3 run to go on top 18-14. SEMO regrouped, however, and the set was tied at 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 before the Redhawks eked out the win.
Set 2 – Once again, SEMO came out fast and led 4-1, but a 7-1 surge put Saint Louis in front 8-5. The Redhawks managed to regain the lead, 14-13, only to see the Billikens score three of the next four points to go ahead for good at 16-15. SLU extended the run to 9-4 to build a 22-18 cushion, and the Bills hung on to win despite seeing SEMO twice close to within a point.
Set 3 – Following three early ties, SEMO recorded six straight points to earn an 11-6 edge. Trailing 14-10, Saint Louis put together a 9-0 outburst of its own for a 19-14 advantage. The Redhawks narrowed the gap to a point at 19-18, but the Billikens regained command and claimed the set.
Set 4 – The Billikens tallied the first four points and led all the way in the final frame. Although SEMO twice pulled to within a point, the second time at 7-6, Saint Louis gradually pulled away to win the set and the match.
Brus hit a team-high .297 (27-8-64), with
Tea Kalajdzic right behind at .296 (13-5-27).
Abby Lynn joined Brus in the double-double column with 39 assists and 11 digs while adding three service aces.
Carlie Rodgers registered 21 digs, with
Vivian Kieffer and
Chloe Maughan chipping in 12 and 11 digs, respectively. Rodgers added four service aces and Kieffer turned in three.
Trinity Luckett and
Kayla Jansen had three blocks apiece.
Ole Miss def. Saint Louis 25-14, 25-20, 25-19
Set 1 – The Billikens got off to a fast start, grabbing a 4-1 lead in the opening set before a 4-0 Ole Miss run gave the Rebels a 5-4 edge. Three ties ensued before the Rebels used a 5-0 spurt to earn a 13-8 lead. Saint Louis pulled to within two points twice, the second time at 14-12, but Ole Miss tallied 11 of the final 13 points.
Set 2 – Neither team led by more than two points until SLU grabbed a 10-7 advantage. After the Bills stretched the lead to 14-10, a 6-0 Ole Miss surge put the Rebels in front 16-14. Saint Louis drew even at 16-16, 17-17 and 19-19, but Ole Miss outscored the Bills 6-1 down the stretch.
Set 3 – After SLU scored the first point, Ole Miss rattled off the next three and, except for a 3-3 tie, led the rest of the way. The Billikens scored three consecutive points to trim a 15-10 deficit to 15-13, only to see the Rebels regain control with a 7-1 flurry for a 22-14 lead. Saint Louis fought back with four straight points but could move no closer.
Delaney Rice led the Saint Louis attack with nine kills, while Kalajdzic and Brus had seven apiece. Rodgers, Lynn and Brus collected 12, nine and eight digs, respectively.
The Billikens conclude play in the A-State Invitational Saturday at 2 p.m. against Arkansas State.
