Saint Louis women’s volleyball visited Lexington, Ken. to take part in the Bluegrass Battle. The Billikens were swept by Marquette before prevailing against Virginia in a five-set thriller. SLU ultimately lost once more to Kentucky, once again in a three-set sweep.

Senior outside hitter Danielle Rygelski showcased her talent in the Bluegrass Battle, winning All-Tournament honors. Against Marquette , she tallied 17 kills and 10 digs, for her third doubledouble of the season. She followed that performance up with her fourth double-double of the season with 24 kills and 16 digs. Finally, against Kentucky, she led all attackers with 16 kills. Rygelski will hope her performances will arrest SLU’s poor form as the A-10 schedule approaches.

The Marquette match saw SLU lose 25-17 in the first set, but keep it close in the second set, losing only 25- 23. The Golden Eagles then proceeded to defeat the Billikens 25-16 in the third and By VIVEK GORIJALA Associate Sports Editor final set.

Against Virginia, SLU won the first set 25-19 due to 6 kills from Rygelski. SLU then could not come away with a win in either of the next two sets, losing 25- 23 and 25-21 respectively. SLU’s breakthrough came in the fourth set, which the Billikens won 25-18, and they finished off the victory in a 15-12 fifth set win.

When facing Kentucky, SLU kept it close in the first set, but ultimately lost 25-21. The Wildcats then pounced on the Billikens, earning a 25-13 victory, before winning the third set 25-19. After the Bluegrass Battle, the Billikens managed to pull out a five-set victory on the road against Austin Peay, to improve their overall record to 3-8. Sophomore setter Camila Rivas took over setting duties against Austin Peay, notching 52 assists in the match, a personal best for the second-year player.

Next up for Saint Louis women’s volleyball will be Murray State, Omaha and Illinois visiting Chaifetz Pavilion for the Billiken Invitational.