EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball notched its 10th win of the season with a three-set sweep of Bradley at the Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars improved to 10-7 by defeating the Braves 28-26, 25-23, 28-26. Bradley fell to 4-14.

"I am very happy our team was able to battle and keep coming back after being down in every set," said SIUE Head Coach Todd Gober.

SIUE's Jessica Hemann was dominant at middle hitter with 14 kills on 19 attacks. The Cougar junior from Breese also finished with two blocks.

"Jessica is back. She worked her way through a slump and is now the old Jess," said Gober.

Julia Whitfield ripped 10 kills with just one attack error on the outside. Lexi Cibulka and Kelsey Augustine added nine kills each.

"We made big plays at big times, and it's such a nice refreshing change. I give this group a lot of credit," said Gober.

Bradley's Annie Cave led all hitters with 16 kills. Caitlin Staib added 13 kills for the Braves.

SIUE lost the first five points of the match to Bradley. The Cougars would pull even in the first set when Cibulka served for four straight points. Hemann recorded a pair of kills during the run.

Gober said much of the credit to SIUE's success Sunday was the play of sophomore setter Sammi Minton.

"Sammi did a tremendous job setting, distributing the ball, freezing blockers, and creating seams. She had probably her best match of the season," he said.

Minton finished with 41 assists and also joined Augustine on a block at match point.

The Cougars return to the Vadalabene Center Monday night for a meeting with Western Illinois. The first serve is set for 7 p.m.

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