Cleveland State volleyball won their first home and conference match of the season this evening.

The Cougars broke an eight-match losing streak defeating Pellissippi State 3-2, exacting revenge from an earlier road loss in the season to the Panthers.

"Hard fought win! Defense played scrappy, setters were moving the ball around well and hitters came out aggressive," head coach Alizabeth Atnip said.

Cleveland State (2-11, 1-4) came into the match losing 20 straight sets, and it looked much of the same with Pellissippi State (1-4, 1-4) taking the first set 25-18.

Then the Cougars settled in during set two with the difference being five service aces, taking a 25-22 victory.

The Panthers didn't let Cleveland State gain too much momentum, taking set three 25-17. Cleveland State then put together a dominate set four winning 25-16 with 17 kills.

The final set was a battle with the Cougars outlasting Pellissippi State 15-12.

Overall Kaydence Houston and Jazlyn Butler led the team with 13 kills each. Libero Taylor Hancock put together 33 digs while Ryleigh McGinnis had 23 assists with Ella Johnson contributing another 22 assists.

"I was happy to see the team executing tonight," Atnip said.

Cleveland State travels to Roane State (17-4, 3-1) for their next match this Thursday with game time set for 6:30 p.m.