Redhawks open with two losses

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri State first-year head coach Renata Nowacki had a rough debut Saturday as the Redhawks volleyball team opened with a pair of losses.

Competing in the St. Clair Corporation/Clarion Hotel Missouri State Invitational, Southeast fell to St. Louis University in four games and to Arkansas-Little Rock in five games.

Jessica Koeper had 14 kills and Jill Miller added 13 during a 31-29, 27-30, 30-15, 30-26 loss to St. Louis. Lauren Scannell had 16 digs, while Jamie Baumstark recorded 34 assists and five service aces. Tatyana Mensrikova hammered 27 kills for the Billikens.

Miller had 22 kills and Koeper followed with 18 during a tight 28-30, 30-25, 28-30, 30-23, 15-10 loss to Arkansas-Little Rock. Miller also led in digs with 19, while Koeper and Scannell both had 17. Baumstark delivered 49 assists, 15 digs and three aces. Larisa Durmisevic paced the Trojans with 23 kills.

Today, the Redhawks will be a part of history as they finish up the tournament with a 1 p.m. match against the host school.

The change from Southwest Missouri State to Missouri State became official today, and Southeast will be the first team to face a Missouri State squad in athletic competition.