Loss fails to temper Southeast volleyball players' spirits

Saturday's four-game loss to Ohio Valley Conference power Morehead State could not put a damper on the weekend for the Southeast Missouri State volleyball team.

The Redhawks still were fired up about Friday's home and OVC opener that saw them rally past Eastern Kentucky 21-25, 18-25, 25-15, 29-27, 15-10.

Southeast could not keep pace with Morehead State despite a strong start, falling 24-26, 25-18, 25-14, 25-16 at Houck Field House.

The Redhawks are 4-7 overall and 1-1 in the OVC. Morehead is 10-6 and 4-0.

"I expect Morehead to be at the top of the conference," Southeast coach Renata Heard said following Saturday's match. "But what we did [Friday] spoke volumes about our team, to come out on top in five.

Southeast senior Claire Keaton prepares to pass the ball during Saturday's match against Morehead State at Houck Field House.

"We're going to build on that and not let today spoil our weekend."

Senior libero Kelly Benacka, who led Southeast in digs both matches, was more excited about Friday's comeback than disappointed with Saturday's defeat.

"It was intense," Benacka said. "The first two games we weren't ourselves, then we really turned it on.

"Today we could have done better. We lacked energy and we have to have our energy."

After their rally against Eastern Kentucky, the Redhawks looked like they might sweep the weekend when they slipped past Morehead in Saturday's first game.

But then the powerful, experienced Eagles showed why they are among the OVC's top squads by handily winning the last three games.

"I think we're capable of some good things," said Heard, who is mixing in several freshmen with her veterans. "Today I think we showed our strong side, but we also had our weaknesses exposed."

Southeast had no player reach double-figure kills against Morehead State. Sophomore Karlee Lursen led the way with nine. She added 14 digs.

Benacka had 15 digs and freshman setter Julie Shives recorded 29 assists.

The Eagles were led by their trio of powerful hitters as sophomore Ellie Roberson had 15 kills, followed by seniors Holly Evans and Kaitlin Craven with 14 apiece.

"They're a strong team," Heard said.

Benacka said Southeast's potential is apparent despite the loss.

"We have a lot of new talent," she said. "It's raw, but once we mold it, it's going to be great."

Lursen had 20 kills and 16 digs Friday against Eastern Kentucky.

Freshman Emily Coon had 13 kills and seven block assists while senior Claire Keaton contributed 13 kills, 15 digs and three service aces.

Shives was a third Southeast player to record a double-double with 43 assists and 20 digs.

Benacka came up with 24 digs and senior Meagan Webb added 12 digs.

Southeast plays a third straight OVC home match Tuesday when Tennessee-Martin visits for a 7 p.m. start.