Otahks avenge loss with a sweep

Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team continued its late-season surge Thursday night with a revenge victory.

On Oct. 1, Eastern Illinois eased to a four-game win over the visiting Otahkians.

Thursday, the host Otahkians rolled past the Panthers 30-20, 30-28, 30-21 in front of about 150 fans at Houck Field House.

Southeast, winning its fourth straight match, improved to 9-16 overall and 8-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play as the Otahkians solidified their hold on fourth place. EIU fell to 7-19 and 4-7.

"They beat us with authority at their place, so it's nice to win this one," Southeast coach Cindy Gannon said. "I'm really proud of the girls because we've battled back from our slow start and we are on a roll. We're finally getting in a groove with things."

While Southeast's three seniors -- Emily Scannell, Suzanne Gundlach and Sarah Frost -- have played well during the winning streak, several freshmen have also sparkled.

Against EIU, Park Hills Central High School product Jessica Wilfong was particularly impressive with a team-high 11 kills and a sizzling .450 hitting percentage.

"I'm really excited to be even playing. In Division I, it's hard for a freshman to play," Wilfong said. "We've been working really hard together as a team and things are coming together."

A second freshman starter Thursday, Jamie Baumstark, added eight kills and hit .400. Baumstark, from Hermann, Mo., came to Southeast as a setter but there isn't much need for that this year with the presence of four-year standout Scannell. Baumstark was moved but figures to return to setter next season.

"I'm really exciting to be playing," Baumstark said. "I think it's all clicking a lot better as a team now."

"Our freshmen have all done very well this year," Gannon said.

Gundlach and Frost both had 10 kills while Scannell dished out 36 assists. Sophomore Jill Miller had 10 digs and junior Ashley Smith served four aces.