Facing two of the top teams in Conference USA volleyball isn’t something new for the Saint Louis University Billikens.

This time, however, the stakes are higher. The regular season is almost over, and the Bills are looking to defend their homecourt.

The Billikens dropped a 3-1 non-conference match against Loyola in Chicago Tuesday, Oct. 14

The Bills used their homecourt advantage to start their upswing by sweeping Conference USA rival Memphis.

The Billikens were lead offensively by sophomore middle hitter Colleen Hunter, who hammered 22 kills and only 2 errors on 31 attempts. Hunter hit a season high .645.

Also against Memphis, sophomore Ember Knobeloch contributed a huge 13 kills and a .417 hitting percentage.

The Billiken defense was dominated by junior defensive specialist Dani Apted, who reached double figures with 10 digs.

Junior Beth Martin added seven digs and one kill on one swing.

After becoming the first Billiken to top 30 kills in consecutive matches, the American Volleyball Coaches Association named Hunter AVCA/Sports Imports Division I National Player of the Week.

Hunter’s kill rampage began with 31 kills against Marquette, and then drilled a massive 38 kills against Eastern Illinois.

The third of Hunter’s 30-plus kill matches came against Sountern Mississippi with 31 kills.

Lone senior Jessica Moss has surpassed Ksenya Korshunova and climbed into tenth place on the Saint Louis University all-time kill list.

Last night, the Billikens kept their momentum going as they traveled to Birmingham to face UAB for a heated C-USA matchup.

The Billikens took all three matches against UAB 15-6, 15-7, 15-5.

This week, the Bills will host C-USA giants Louisville on Friday, and Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Billikens (11-12 overall, 5-6 C-USA) had a crucial win against Louisville, who, prior to their match, had been higher ranked.

After their match nearly a month ago, coach Nolen said: “We broke through against Louisville.

“We pulled together after mistakes, and it was the first time someone ranked above us that we upset. It was an exciting match and an exciting win.”

The Bills took the match in five games 5-15, 15-7, 12-15, 15-6, 15-13.

When the Billikens last faced the Bearcats the match went four sets with Cincy prevailing.

This weekend, the Billikens are hot after sweeping two conference teams and will look to keep their momentum going through the weekend.