ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis defeated Western Illinois 3-1 on Saturday, closing out an undefeated weekend at the Billiken Invitational.
Set 1: SLU 25, WIU 23
The Billikens jumped out to a 7-1 lead behind a serving run from Tamia Maddox that included two aces. Western Illinois rallied back within one at 9-8, and the teams traded points with ties at 12 and 15. The Leathernecks took a 16-15 edge and later led 22-19, but SLU stormed back to claim the opener.
Set 2: SLU 25, WIU 22
After trailing 5-3 early, the Billikens used a five-point run to take the lead. SLU extended its advantage to 19-14 before Western Illinois closed the gap to 21-20. The teams exchanged points down the stretch, but SLU held on for the two-set lead.
Set 3: WIU 26, SLU 24
Tea Kalajdzic made an immediate impact with a kill on her first touch, and back-to-back aces from Ellie Rink put SLU ahead 6-3. Western Illinois tied the set at 10 and eventually took a 12-11 lead. The teams traded momentum throughout, with SLU building a 22-19 advantage before WIU fought back to even the score at 24. The Leathernecks scored the final two points to extend the match.
Set 4: SLU 25, WIU 17
The final set began tightly, with SLU leading 10-6 before Western Illinois responded with eight straight points to move ahead 14-10. The Leathernecks still held a 17-14 lead when the Billikens erupted for 11 consecutive points to seal the set and the match.
Notables
- Ellie Rink tallied her second straight double-double with 17 kills and digs, both career-highs.
- Tamia Maddox recorded a career-high 16 kills.
- Chloe Maughan posted a career-high 16 digs.
- Jetta Brenning notched a career-high 50 assists.
- Three Billikens finished with double-digit digs.
- SLU tallied 10 service aces.
- Kayla Jansen registered two solo blocks and four block assists.
Up Next:
The Billikens return to action when they travel to Ames, Iowa for the Cyclone Invitational on September 12-13. SLU will take on Iowa State Friday at 6:20 p.m. and Omaha Saturday at 4 p.m.
