PULLMAN, Wash.—McNeese volleyball struggled on offense in its 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-17) loss to Illinois State Saturday at the Washington State Cougar Challenge.
 
McNeese (0-10), will host Southern in its home opener next Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. after playing 10 straight road matches including three consecutive tournaments.
 
The Cowgirls stayed within reach in all three sets but Illinois State shifted into another gear midway through all three sets to seal the win.
 
The Redbirds, behind Ali Line and Lexi Varga, led all players with 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Line also ended the match with a .476 hitting percent with only two hitting errors.
 
Illinois State picked up 47 digs while the Cowgirls were credited with 38.
 
For the second straight match, McNeese out-blocked it much taller opponent 10-8.
 
McNeese struggled on the offensive side and was led by Keegan Nelms' five kills while setter Caitlin Sharrock led with a .286 hitting percent and 12 assists. Allison Lippert and Haley Schneider led the Cowgirls with three blocks apiece. Angela McGownd ended the match 1ith 10 digs.