Otahks gain first OVC win in 5 sets

Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team has struggled much of the season, but the Otahkians finally gained their first Ohio Valley Conference victory Friday night -- and Jessica Koeper believes they just might be on their way now.

"Finally, a win underneath our belts," said Koeper, a sophomore outside hitter from Jackson High School. "After this win, I think we turned the corner. We're ready to roll now."

Koeper powered home 21 kills to lead the Otahkians past Tennessee Tech 30-19, 26-30, 30-15, 20-30, 15-7 in front of nearly 200 fans at Houck Field House.

The Otahkians improved to 2-12 overall and 1-3 in OVC play while Tech fell to 5-11 and 2-5. Southeast has another home conference match today, facing Austin Peay at 2 p.m.

"We really needed this," a smiling Southeast coach Cindy Gannon said. "I think you get to a point where you doubt yourself. We've been so close so many matches.

"I said all along we're going to get there. I just don't want them to lose confidence in themselves. I know I sound like a broken record, but we're just so young. Hopefully this win gets us on a roll."

Sophomore Jessica Wilfong added 12 kills for the Otahkians while junior Jill Miller had 11.

Koeper also led in digs with 19, followed by junior Lauren Scannell with 18. Miller, sophomore Jamie Baumstark and freshman Shannon Muesenfechter all added 15 digs.

Baumstark, Southeast's setter, recorded 48 assists, eight kills and four service aces.

Southeast also got a lift from freshman Brenna Schlader, who had seen little action since early in the season but played extensively Friday after senior Ashley Smith suffered a torn ACL earlier in the week during practice and will be lost for the season. Schlader had seven kills.

"After Ashley went out, Brenna really stepped up for us," Koeper said.

Said Gannon, "Brenna came in and did a good job. And Shannon, another freshman, is also playing well."

After the squads exchanged wins in the first four games, the Otahkians rolled in the decisive game five despite trailing 3-1 early. Baumstark put Southeast ahead for good with a kill that made it 4-3 and Koeper powered home consecutive kills to end a 5-0 run as the Otahkians opened up a 6-3 lead.

Laura Sidorowicz led the Eaglettes with 16 kills while Anne Morrow had 11.

The Otahkians avenged a four-game loss to the Eaglettes on Sept. 25 in Cookeville, Tenn. Today Southeast will attempt to get more revenge after Austin Peay beat the Otahkians in five games on Sept. 24 in Clarksville, Tenn.

"Hopefully we can start putting some wins together in a row," Gannon said.