ST. LOUIS – Despite double-digit kills counts from three Billikens, Xavier defeated Saint Louis 3-1 Friday night in non-conference volleyball action in the Billiken Invitational at Chaifetz Pavilion.
 
Addy Brus led the way for the Billikens (2-3) with 18 kills. Trinity Luckett had another solid performance with 15 kills and a .417 attack percentage to go along with eight blocks (three solo, five assists). Tea Kalajdzic had 11 kills with a .406 attack percentage.
 
Carlie Rodgers registered a season-high 23 digs. Abby Lynn distributed a season-best 46 assists.
 
For Xavier (1-4), Anna Taylor and Emma Grace led the way with 11 kills apiece. Grace added 13 digs for the double-double.
 
Xavier def. Saint Louis 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23
Set 1 – A back-and-forth first set saw 14 ties and five lead changes. Luckett had four kills on five swings in the first set to pace SLU, while Kalajdzic had four kills and no errors. Xavier prevailed 25-22, with the set-clinching point marking the only time in the frame that either team led by three or more points.
 
Set 2 – The Billikens responded to take set two by a 25-18 margin. Brus finished with four kills in the set to lead SLU. The match was tied 11-11 before SLU took control and cruised to win the set.
 
Set 3 – Saint Louis led by as many as six points several times midway through the third set before Xavier stormed back. A 5-0 Musketeers rally pulled them to within two. Xavier gained the lead at 19-18 and held on to take the set 25-23 to move ahead 2-1. Luckett was dominant in set three with seven kills to go along with a pair of blocks.
 
Set 4 – Xavier again won a closely contested set, taking it 25-23 to clinch the match. Brus posted nine kills in the set. It was tight throughout, and a late 4-0 SLU run tied it up at 23-all. But Xavier would claim the next two points to win the set and the match.
 
The Billiken Invitational concludes with two matches on Saturday. Xavier plays Army at 11:30 a.m., while Saint Louis hosts Illinois State at 2:30 p.m.