Otahks lose momentum early in OVC loss

After giving up a late lead in the first game, Southeast (6-8, 1-1) never regained momentum and lost Saturday in straight sets to Morehead State at Houck Field House.

Southeast came out strong in the first game after sweeping Eastern Kentucky in their Ohio Valley Conference opener Friday night, but after Morehead came back to tie it at 25, Southeast was unable to put up a stable offensive attack.

"They came out and they were ready to play," Southeast coach Cindy Gannon said. "They came out and got the job done."

Coming off a tight 32-30 first-game loss, the Otahkians fell behind early in the second game. Despite a strong comeback led by the hitting of senior captain Bobbi Carlile and senior Emily Johnson, the Otahkians couldn't get closer than 22-20 and dropped the game 30-25.

Morehead State's leading hitter, Amy Almond, said getting a pair of victories at Eastern Illinois and Southeast was a huge accomplishment for her team.

"SEMO always has a great team," she said. "It helps give a little more confidence."

After losing two games, the Otahkians had no answers for the Eagles' attack in the third and final game. Morehead State never trailed in the game and cruised to a 30-22 victory to win the match.

With Southeast's next match at Tennessee-Martin on Friday, Gannon said her team has time to work on key areas and get back on track.

"We just have to work a little harder in practice," she said.

Southeast was led in kills by Johnson who had 16 for the match. Carlile was consistent with 15. Sarah Frost added 12. Setter Emily Scannell had 42 assists.

Frost said the Otahkians could never get into an offensive rhythm.

"We just need to work on playing as a team," she said, "and playing consistently."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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