The SIUC volleyball team stretched its winning streak to four games with a win over Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, but outside hitter Marlo Moreland says a lack of focus prevented the Salukis from reaching five consecutive victories.

After recording its first road victory of the season against the Bulldogs 15-7, 15-3, 3-15, 15-10, SIUC suffered a loss to Creighton University, 15-7, 13-15, 15-9, 8-15, 11-15, Saturday to end its winning streak.

SIUC controlled a one-game advantage over the Lady Jays Saturday but were unable to close out the match. Creighton won the final two games, taking the match in the fifth and final game.

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Moreland, a junior from Lancaster, Texas, said the team may have become overconfident after getting the early lead against Creighton. Moreland had 14 kills and 18 digs against Drake, and recorded 17 kills along with 17 digs against Creighton, to lead the Salukis both nights.

On Friday night, we came into the game on a roll, and we put (Drake) away early, Moreland said. Saturday, we played around with (Creighton) a little bit and didn’t put them away.

SIUC coach Sonya Locke was disappointed with the outcome against Creighton but knows her team can rebound from the setback.

At least I can say that we won the first match, Locke said. I don’t think it’s going to hurt us at all because we could’ve come home worse than that. I just hope we can continue to play up to our level of play.

Though the team failed to win both matches, freshman defensive specialist Audra Allen said there were some positives from the squad’s performance. The win against Drake was the first for SIUC since 1994.

It was a good learning experience because it was our first win on the road, Allen said. It was a good confidence-builder for everyone.

Now with an overall record of 8-8 and 5-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Salukis stand at fifth place in the MVC. Drake dropped to 1-14 and 1-7 in conference play, while Creighton improved to 9-7 and 6-3.

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The Salukis return home to Davies Gymnasium for a non-conference match tonight against Eastern Illinois University. SIUC has fared much better at home this season with a 7-2 record, as opposed to a 1-6 mark on the road.

Locke does not want her players to look past EIU because it is a non-conference foe. She said the team will prepare for the match no differently than a conference matchup.

Allen said the team must follow Locke’s advice to be successful in tonight’s match.

We just have to take each game one at a time, Allen said. We look at each team individually, no matter what conference they are in.

The Salukis play Eastern Illinois University at 7 tonight at Davies Gymnasium.