Trends continue - Unbeaten ASU sweeps, drops Otahks to 0-5

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team won the first two games of last Wednesday's season-opening match against Southwest Missouri State before the Bears rallied to prevail in five games.

Since that night, the Otahkians have not tasted victory of any kind. They were swept for the fourth straight time Tuesday night as Arkansas State won 30-27, 31-29, 30-27 in front of more than 200 fans at Houck Field House.

The Otahkians fell to 0-5 while the Indians improved to 5-0.

Despite the loss that ended with Southeast dropping its 15th consecutive game, coach Cindy Gannon said she is not frustrated -- and in fact came away encouraged.

"When you're as young as we are, it's hard to get frustrated," Gannon said. "We're getting better. We played better tonight than we did this weekend. We're playing some good volleyball and some good volleyball teams.

"I feel like we're very close. Tonight every game was close. We'll be fine. I keep telling the team that."

Southeast, which lost three matches over the weekend at the Ball State Tournament, led ASU 15-10 in the first game, 15-12 in the second game and 19-15 in the third game. Game two was tied 29-29 and game three was deadlocked 25-25. But the Indians seemingly won all the big points late.

"We had to figure out a way to win," ASU coach Craig Cummings said. "Any team that comes in here knows they're in for a fight. Cindy's team knows how to compete."

Ashley Smith led Southeast's attack with 12 kills. Jessica Koeper added eight kills and 15 digs. Jamie Baumstark recorded 32 assists and 10 digs, while also reaching double figures in digs were Jill Miller (12) and Lauren Scannell (11).

ASU got 11 kills from Beth Jones and 10 from Robin Aaron. Tessa Millikan had 24 digs.

"We just have to hang in there," Gannon said. "Everything we do is geared toward the conference."

The Otahkians compete this weekend in the Western Kentucky Tournament.