SEMO VOLLEYBALL TEAM ROLLS PAST MURRAY STATE

Total domination is the only way to describe Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball victory over Murray State.

Southeast cruised to a straight set win over the young, outgunned Lady Racers 15-7, 15-6,15-3 at Houck Field House Sunday afternoon. The Otahkians improved to 3-6 overall and 2-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play as they moved into a tie for first place in the league.

The Otahkians now also have a 22-match win streak at Houck. The streak dates back to a Sept. 29, 1998 victory over Southern Illinois.

With the proper approach, even blowouts can help a team accomplish positive goals, according to Southeast coach Cindy Gannon.

"I never take any win lightly," said Gannon. "We worked on some things offensively like better balance and playing more aggressively, and the confidence you build with opportunities like this will go a long way as we get down the road in the OVC."

The Otahkians certainly did have a more balanced attack, getting contributions from a host of players.

Steady outside hitters Lea Beckemeyer and Krista Haukap again led the Otahkians in kills with 15 and 13, respectively.

Sophomore Emily Johnson chipped in with nine kills and a career high .818 hitting percentage. Lori Lange with eight kills and Rachelle Knapp with seven rounded out the balanced Southeast attack. Setter Emily Scannell helped her hitters with 35 assists.

Teamwise, the Otahkians compiled an outstanding .506 hitting percentage for the match.

Haukap, Southeast's career kill leader and All-OVC performer, likes the way the team is rounding into shape.

"We're slowly coming around after a rough start at the beginning," said Haukap. "We're jelling pretty good and I think we'll be good to go for the rest of the season."

Murray State (2-7, 0-3), with only one experienced player and many underclassmen on the squad, never posed a threat to the Otahkians.

"They're awesome, just like always," said Murray State coach Dave Schwepker, a former Southeast assistant. "And we're struggling right now."

Eastern Illinois, the preseason pick to challenge the Otahkians for the conference championship, comes to town Wednesday night for a match that should provide a better barometer of the strengths of the OVC.