OTAHKS REACH TOURNEY FINAL WITH 20TH STRAIGHT VICTORY

You know the sights and sounds of competitors: the sweat, the snarls, the stares.

Southeast Missouri State's volleyball team had its game face on Friday night during its Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinal win over Murray State, but in between points, the Otahkians were all smiles.

Southeast, the top seed, looked relaxed and dominant in a 15-10, 15-10 and 15-11 win over fourth-seeded Murray State at Houck Field House.

Whether it was a lucky tip that fell in a hole, a Houck-rattling kill or even a mistake, it seemed Otahkian smiles followed every play."We were a little tight at first," said junior outside hitter Krista Haukap. "But after awhile, we realized this was our gym, we were the No. 1 seed and there was no pressure on us. Even when we would have one of our hits blocked, we would just laugh it off and not let it get to us. That's our philosophy."The Otahks (27-5) certainly had a lot to be happy about: winning their 20th straight game, staying undefeated at Houck and making yet another OVC tournament final appearance. They will play No. 3 seed Austin Peay -- the only OVC team to stick Southeast for a loss this year -- for the title today at noon. Southeast will be trying for its fourth OVC Tournament title in five years.

Southeast coach Cindy Gannon, the OVC coach of the year, also said Southeast was a bit tight at the beginning, but was pleased that the Otahks didn't let the pressure get to them."Any time you're playing for a championship in a tournament, there will be pressure," Gannon said. "When you have a title on the line, it's hard to relax. What we work on is confidence. And part of that confidence helps us stay relaxed."The Otahks were clearly the better team Friday night, but Murray State put forth a spirited effort."Murray State never quit," said Gannon. "This was the toughest competition we've had in the OVC this season.""I was impressed with the way we played," Murray State coach David Schwepker said. "But I give SEMO all the credit. They were awesome. I think they will win (today) and I think they are going to be the first OVC team to win a match in the NCAA tournament."Like it has done all season, Southeast came from all angles and simply overpowered Murray State.

Lea Beckemeyer provided 25 kills for Southeast, while Haukap had 13 and Angie Aschoff had 11.

Beckemeyer, in particular, seemed to come up with a kill every time Murray State gained the momentum."When Lea's on, she's really on," Gannon said. "But everybody contributed and that's what makes us a good team."Amy Henken, the OVC player of the year, had 50 assists for Southeast and also had 12 digs. Haukap and Aschoff had 13 and 10 digs, respectively.

Jessica Wood led Murray State with 18 kills, followed by Sarah Ernst with 14. Mica Wojinski had 43 assists for the Racers.

Southeast was in total control of the first two sets, but had to come from behind to win the third.

The Otahks found themselves in an 11-7 hole in the last set, but came storming back and held the Racers scoreless for the rest of the match."We had a little lapse in the third and we couldn't quite get it together," Haukap said. "But no matter what this season, this team has come together. Our coach always tells us, the harder you work, the harder it is to give up."Even though Gannon was pleased with the overall performance, the Otahks did have a few flaws."Our passing needs to be better," she said. "That wasn't great. And I thought we missed way too many serves. But one of our objectives is to serve aggressively and along with that is some missed serves."n In other tournament action on Friday, Austin Peay was one set down, but rallied to knock off second-seeded Eastern Kentucky 12-15, 15-11, 15-11 and 15-6.

The Lady Governors had five players with at least 10 assists, including Jennifer Brooks with 21."When you get to the championship game, it's all guts," Gannon said. "Austin Peay will be a little bit different team than when we saw them last. I certainly hope we're not going to take them lightly."Also on Friday, Murray State swept fifth-seeded Tennessee Tech 15-7, 15-5 and 15-3. Wood had 14 kills that match, while Ernst had 12.