OTAHKS CLAIM OVC CROWN

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. Not that there was really any doubt, but Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team officially wrapped up another Ohio Valley Conference championship Saturday.

The Otahkians, who had already clinched a title tie and earned the right to host the OVC Tournament next weekend, defeated Tennessee Tech 15-4, 15-5, 11-15, 15-6 for their 18th straight victory.

Southeast, which has won its seventh OVC regular-season title since joining the league in 1991, improved to 26-4 overall and 16-1 in league play. Tech fell to 13-11 overall, 11-6 in the OVC.Krista Haukap and Lea Beckemeyer each had 18 kills to pace the Southeast offensive attack.

Amy Henken led the way in digs with 17 and also dished out 49 assists. Adding (double-figure digs were Angie Aschoff with 14, Lori Lange with 13 and Jackie Derwort with 10.

Aschoff had seven blocks to lead the way in that department while Beckemeyer added five. Aschoff and Beckemeyer had four service aces each to lead in that category.

The Otahkians will close out the regular season today at Middle Tennessee. The OVC Tournament will be played next Friday and Saturday at Houck Field House.)