OTAHKS LEAN ON ROOKIES, DEFEAT EKU

They're rookies on paper, but not on the floor.

Krista Haukap and Rachelle Knapp were much aware that four starters on last year's Southeast Missouri State University volleyball team graduated, and that the Otahkians have only one senior starter this year.

The two freshman have surpassed expectations so far this season. Haukap had 11 kills and eight digs and Knapp totaled nine kills in the Otahkians' 15-8, 15-7, 15-12 win over Eastern Kentucky Saturday at Houck Field House before 141.

Southeast won its 33rd successive Ohio Valley Conference match and improved to 13-4 overall and 5-0 in the conference, dropping the Colonels to 1-10 and 1-5 in the OVC.

Any stress that accompanies a quest for a fifth successive OVC title and a return to the national tournament hasn't seemed to faze Haukap and Knapp.

"Following in (last year's seniors') footsteps maybe has a little more pressure on them because the expectations are so high," said Southeast coach Cindy Gannon. "I'm just proud of the way they are stepping up.

"Rachelle Knapp, I just can't say enough about what she's doing for us right now, and Krista Haukap. They're just doing a great job."

Haukap, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Aviston, Ill., was selected OVC freshman of the week the last two weeks.

"I'm very surprised that I'm playing this much, because I really didn't expect coming into such a great program that I would. I'm not looking to accomplish any awards; I'm just trying to play my best and give the team another OVC championship," Haukap said.

The freshmen "are learning from the leaders on our team like Tuba" Meto, the only senior starter and last year's OVC player of the year, said Haukap.

Knapp, a 5-9 middle blocker from Evanston, Ind., said she knew entering the season she might have a chance to produce, and she's starting to do so.

"It's starting to go the way I want it to go. It's tough because we're young and we don't know the program as well, and it's a lot of pressure knowing that we have to keep winning. (The freshman) are starting to step up to it," Knapp said.

In the first game, after Southeast led 14-1, the Otahkians endured 11 EKU side outs before scoring the 15th point. Southeast led the second game throughout and overcame a 9-6 deficit in the third.

"We have a little bit of trouble making the plays when we need to make them. (Southeast) has the best offense I've seen so far," said EKU coach Geri Polvino.

In usual form, Southeast's setter, Meto, played well and delivered 57 assists. Angie Aschoff and Jackie Derwort, both sophomores, led the Otahkians with 13 and 12 kills, respectively.

Southeast returns to action Tuesday when preseason favorite Eastern Illinois visits.