OTAHKIANS BRING IMPROVED RANKING INTO HOMESTAND

Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team will enter a big homestand as the fourth-ranked team in the most recent District VI rankings.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee is ranked first in the district, followed by Cincinnati, Houston and Southeast. Two other Ohio Valley Conference teams are also in the top 10: Austin Peay at No. 7 and Eastern Illinois at No. 10. The ranking are released by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

"I think our tough schedule and the team's hard work helped us earn the ranking," said Southeast coach Cindy Gannon.

The Otahkians, 15-5 overall and a first-place 7-1 in the OVC, have been on the road for much of the season but they will enjoy four straight home matches, beginning with a pair of key OVC contests this weekend.

Southeast plays Middle Tennessee (11-11, 6-5 OVC) tonight and Tennessee Tech (10-7, 8-2 OVC) Saturday, with both matches beginning at 7 p.m. at Houck Field House.

Tuesday night, Austin Peay -- which handed Southeast its lone OVC loss to date -- comes to town. Then Wednesday night, nationally ranked Arkansas pays a rare visit to Cape Girardeau to face the Otahkians.

"We have three very important OVC matches coming up and we have to continue to work hard and win," said Gannon.

The Otahkians, riding an eight-match winning streak, have played recently without senior standout Jackie Derwort, who suffered a knee injury three matches ago.

Freshman Emily Johnson has filled in for Derwort and played well, said Gannon, who added that Derwort could be back soon.

"Jackie is making excellent progress with her injury and she may be back Tuesday," Gannon said. "The team has to pick up for her not being there."