The Saint Louis University volleyball team had a chance to move up in the Conference USA rankings this weekend, but their fingers must have been slippery.
After a tremendous upset over Louisville (17-6 overall, 9-3 C-USA) in their first meeting, the Billikens (11-14, 5-8) dropped three straight games against the number two team in conference Friday night.
Sunday, the Bills had a chance to take a 2-0 game lead against C-USA giant Cincinnati, but went on to lose the match 3-1, and watched their chances of advancing in rankings slip through their fingers.
“We did not play well at all against Louisville,” said coach Marilyn Nolen. “We’re a young team, and we’re still learning to be focused and together when it’s time to play.”
The Bills were led offensively by Colleen Hunter, who notched 17 kills and 18 digs against Louisville. Ember Knobeloch chipped in eight kills against UL and setter Shannan Swiney contributed 32 assists.
The Billiken defense was split between Jessica Moss and defensive specialist Dani Apted, who each had seven digs.
Sunday, the Billikens faced the No. 1 seed in the C-USA, Cincinnati. The Bills lost 3-1, but held Cincinnati to a long second set that finally ended 20-18.
“The second game was so close,” said coach Nolen. “We had several chances to get it, but the wind just went out of our sails.”
Despite the loss, Nolen was pleased with the team’s overall performance. Nolen cites the match as encouraging because the team was able to come together well and play competitively with one of the top teams in the conference.
The Billiken offense was more active in the match against Cincinnati. Hunter hammered 25 kills in addition to posting 11 digs and eight kills. Moss hit a huge 17 kills and also contributed 10 digs against UC.
The defense was dominated by Apted, who had a team-high 13 digs.
Knobeloch had an impressive match with 12 kills, and Leonard was strong all around with four kills, seven digs and two service aces.
Friday night, the Billikens hope to begin the final upswing before heading into the conference tournament. The Bills will host C-USA rival Charlotte in what Nolen expects to be a competitive, exciting final home match.
In their previous meeting, the Billikens lost to Charlotte in five matches.
To win the match, the Billikens must come together and also be mentally and physically prepared, according to coach Nolen.
“When [the team] gets it together, I don’t think there’s a team in the league better than us,” said Nolen.
The match carries the potential to begin the Billikens’ momentum as they head into their match Tuesday at Notre Dame and then the final weekend of regular season play against C-USA foes Marquette and DePaul.
