Redhawks move step closer to hosting a tourney opener

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team picked up an important Ohio Valley Conference road victory Friday afternoon, slipping past Murray State 2-1 in overtime.

The Redhawks improved to 10-4-1 overall and 5-2-1 in OVC play, while the Racers fell to 6-9-1 and 5-3 as they had their five-match winning streak stopped.

Pending the outcome of some late matches, the Redhawks were assured of ending Friday in no worse than fourth place in the OVC as they chase a home game for the first-round of the OVC tournament.

The top six finishers in the 10-team league qualify, with the top two receiving first-round byes. The squads finishing third and fourth host opening-round contests on Nov. 1.

A Southeast victory in Sunday's final OVC match, at Tennessee-Martin, assures the Redhawks of hosting a tournament game, and they would still have an outside chance of tying for the regular-season title.

Lisa Schweppe scored her team-leading seventh goal of the season on a penalty kick 6 minutes, 27 seconds into sudden-death that ended Friday's contest.

The Redhawks trailed 1-0 when Jessi Wuellner scored with 11:17 remaining in regulation, off an assist from Nicole Bussman. The Racers had gone ahead 7 minutes into the second half.

Southeast goalkeeper Lindsay Pickering was credited with seven saves. Southeast held a 14-10 edge in shots.

Volleyball wins on road

The Southeast volleyball team began its two-match road trip to Alabama on Friday by beating Jacksonville State 30-26, 38-36, 23-30, 30-28.

The Redhawks (10-12, 6-3) posted their fourth straight victory and moved into a fourth-place OVC tie with Jacksonville State (9-10, 6-3).

Jessica Koeper led the Redhawks in kills with 24 and digs with 16 for her fourth consecutive double-double.

Brenna Schlader added 13 kills, followed by Jill Miller with 12 and Jamie Baumstark with 11. Miller tied Baumstark with 16 digs.

Lauren Scannell had 11 digs, marking the 26th straight match that she has reached double figures in digs. She also had five service aces. Baumstark dished out 55 assists.

Southeast plays at Samford today.

-- From staff reports