Redhawks VB season ends in OVC final

Southeast Missouri State’s volleyball season ended in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game with a three-set loss to Eastern Illinois (28-4, 15-3 OVC), 21-25, 16-25, and 20-25, on Wednesday, Nov. 22 in Charleston, Ill.

A group of nine seniors and two graduate students came together to bring the Redhawks (22-10, 12-6 OVC) back to the conference championship game for the fourth time in the last five years. Among the experienced group are Izzy Lukens and Tara Beilsmith, who were named to the 2023 All-Ohio Valley Conference Tournament team.

“It really comes down to that leadership that we have,” SEMO head coach Julie Yankus said after the Redhawks defeated Lindenwood in the semifinals on Nov. 21.

Outside hitter Zoey Beasley led the SEMO offense with 10 kills on 33 total attacks. She was the only Redhawk with double-digit kills. 

SEMO Libero Tara Beilsmith finished her career third all-time in the NCAA's career leaderboards for digs at 3,035. She had a team-high 21 digs in her final match as a Redhawk.

SEMO graduate student, middle blocker Talia Gouard led the Redhawks defense with four block assists and added four kills in her final career match.

Senior setter Izzy Lukens led the Redhawks with 26 assists. She, Marisa Guisti, Lucy Arndt, and Tara Beilsmith each earned all-conference selections. Arndt was named the 2023 Freshman of the Year in the OVC, while Beilsmith was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the second-straight season.