OTAHKS RECLAIM SHARE OF 1ST

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Southeast Missouri State University volleyball team jumped back into a tie for first place in the Ohio Valley Conference with a 16-14, 15-11, 15-4 win at Eastern Illinois Tuesday night.

Southeast improved to 22-8 overall and 12-3 in league play. The Otahkians are currently tied with Murray State atop the OVC.

"This was a must win for us and we came out and played very well," said Southeast coach Cindy Gannon. "We had some key kills and great play from everybody overall. We took care of business."

Jackie Derwort led the Otahkians with her second triple-double of the season. Derwort had 19 kills, 12 assists and 13 digs. Krista Haucap had 14 kills and 11 digs and Angie Aschoff collected 13 kills and 17 digs.

Tuba Meto was only three kills from another triple-double, totaling 46 assist and 19 digs.

After battling back to win the first game, the Otahkians had little trouble with the Lady Panthers. Southeast trailed 14-10 in the first game before winning the next six points.

In the final game, Southeast jumped ahead 7-0 and never let the game get close.