Southeast volleyball wins a thriller in home opener

Missouri-Kansas City threatened to spoil Southeast Missouri State's long-awaited home-opening volleyball match.

But the Redhawks were able to pull out a five-set victory Wednesday night, much to the delight of the enthuastic Houck Field House crowd announced at 341.

"I was really proud of the turnout," Southeast coach Julie Yankus said. "We appreciate their support and I think we're an exciting team to watch."

Southeast's two returning all-Ohio Valley Conference performers said the crowd aided the Redhawks in their 25-22, 19-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9 victory against a UMKC squad that swept Southeast last year in Kansas City, Mo.

"A lot of fans, a lot of support. They were even doing the wave," senior outside hitter Colleen Yarber said with a laugh. "I got the chills a few times."

Added senior middle blocker Emily Coon: "It was great to be at home and we had a really nice crowd. It definitely pumps us up."

The defending OVC West Division champion Redhawks, as is usually the case, play most of their early-season matches away from Cape Girardeau.

Southeast's first nine matches were against rugged competition in three different tournaments.

"Playing a tough schedule definitely gets us prepared [for conference play]," said Yankus, whose squad is predicted to repeat its OVC West Division title.

Yankus, whose team improved to 6-4, expected a battle from the Kangaroos (6-6).

Southeast Missouri State setter Julie Shives taps the ball over during the Redhawks’ second set Wednesday against the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos. (Adam Vogler)

That's exactly what the Redhawks got, but they should have felt comfortable after the Kangaroos rallied to send the match to a fifth and deciding set.

"We've won all our five-set matches this year. ... It really shows our senior leadership and the way we stay composed," Yankus said.

The Redhawks improved to 4-0 in five-set matches this season.

"It's a lot of leadership on and off the court," Coon said of Southeast's fifth-set prowess. "We really work hard to be ready for a fifth set."

Coon and Yarber, two of the OVC's most powerful hitters, continued their impressive seasons and careers Wednesday night as each hammered home 20 kills.

Yarber, who tied a season high in kills, had three during the fifth set. Her powerful spike broke a 1-1 tie and helped propel Southeast to a decisive win in the final set.

Yarber added 12 digs while Coon, also among the OVC's premier blockers, contributed seven blocks. She had a season-best .515 attack percentage.

"They both had awesome nights," Yankus said. "Their senior leadership ... they've been on all season so far."

But the Redhawks are far from a two-person show, as Yankus and her players were quick to point out.

"No way we could have done it tonight without everybody," Yarber said.

Senior Julie Shives, one of the OVC's top setters, dished out a career-high 60 assists while adding a season-high 13 digs.

Berkley Idel, Southeast's fourth and final senior who ranks among the OVC's top liberos, recorded 28 digs, which is one off her career and season highs.

Junior outside hitter Andrea Baylin, who would have been another member of this year's stellar senior class had she not redshirted last season due to an injury, contributed 10 kills and 11 digs.

Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Masterson, a member of last year's OVC all-newcomer team, added eight kills, seven digs and four blocks.

Junior middle blocker Kelsey Keeve chipped in with six kills and four blocks.

"We have a lot of good weapons," Yankus said.

Yankus thought her team played fairly well overall against a solid squad.

"Ups and downs. ... We played well in certain sets," she said. "They're a good team. They've already beaten Eastern Illinois and SIUE [from the OVC]."

Coon said the Redhawks have their sights set on a perfect home record this season. They still have a long way to go toward reaching that goal but at least they're off to a good start.

"We have a goal of being undefeated at home. It's nice to start off that goal with a win," Coon said.

While the Redhawks were pleased to finally play at home, the experience will be short-lived.

The Redhawks play their next four matches away from Cape Girardeau, competing in the Mizzou Classic in Columbia, Mo., this weekend.

Southeast faces Towson at 10 a.m. and Middle Tennessee at 4 p.m. Friday, then Saturday takes on Samford at 10 a.m. and host Missouri at 2 p.m.

After that it's on to OVC play for the Redhawks, who have three of their first four conference matches at home beginning Sept. 27 against Eastern Illinois.