GOODWELL, Okla.– The St. Edward's volleyball team extended its season-opening win streak to 7-0 as they defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 3-1, Friday evening.
 
The SWOSU Bulldogs came out firing as they took a 10-4 lead over St. Edwards. A 6-0 run would push the Hilltoppers back into range at 17-16. Although they would come within one-point four more times before the set ended, St. Edwards could not manage to overtake the Bulldogs, letting set one narrowly slip away 25-23.
 
St. Edward's would strike back in a major way, winning the next three sets. The two teams traded the lead numerous times throughout the second set. Two service aces in a row by SWOSU put them in a prime position to tie the Hilltoppers down the stretch, 23-23 but St. Edward's had different plans. A kill by Elissa Stanton would end the set 25-23.  
 
The Hilltoppers' defensive efforts were the highlight of sets three and four. They allowed a combined 22 points over the two sets. St. Edwards held SWOSU to just four kills and a -.111 hitting percentage in the final set. The away team won the third set, 25-15 and the fourth, 25-7.
 
Hannah Rauch and Amy Jones helped the Hilltoppers to their victory, registering 15 and 11 kills, respectively. Jones earned herself a .409 hitting percentage. Loren Kelly tallied 27 assists and Kelly Jimenez had 22 digs.
 
St. Edward's plays again Saturday at 11 a.m. against Oklahoma Panhandle State. You can watch live coverage of the Hilltoppers on the St. Edward's Athletic webpage as they try to stretch their winning streak to 8-0.